expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the last emission of breath : death

b(1)

: the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth : exhalation

(2)

: the escape of carbon dioxide from the body protoplasm (as through the blood and lungs or by diffusion)

2

: the fact of coming to an end or the point at which something ends : termination

Synonyms of expiration

• demise
• termination
• death
• dissolution

Examples of expiration in a Sentence

one month after the expiration of the contract

directed that upon her expiration her splendid Italian-style villa be given to the public as a museum

Recent Examples on the Web

The expiration of federal EV tax credits last year removed a key incentive for car buyers, potentially discouraging some from making the switch. —Allie Canal, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026

Supporters have their work cut out for them when Congress returns from its two-week recess and has only a matter of days to act before the April 20 expiration. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026

The expiration of the WOTC at the end of 2025 presents a critical opportunity to reauthorize and modernize the program to better support employment outcomes for veterans and military families. —Brooke Creek, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

Full details about the deal, which comes far ahead of the writers guild’s May 30 contract expiration, are typically released after the ratification. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expiration

• expiration date

Rhymes for expiration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the expelling of air from the lungs in breathing

b

: air or vapor expelled from the lungs

2

: the fact of coming to an end

Medical Definition

expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a(1)

: the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth : exhalation

(2)

: the escape of carbon dioxide from the body protoplasm (as through the blood and lungs or by diffusion)

b

archaic : the last emission of breath : death

2

: something produced by breathing out