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

• 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

Each company cited an assumed expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, established as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2020 and later extended through 2025, as part of its calculations. —Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2025

Harris explained that the uncertainty forced her company to dramatically shorten their quote expiration times. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2025

Aspiring passholders can sign up to receive an email notification when Magic Key sales resume — whenever that happens. Passholders with existing Magic Keys can renew their annual passes during the month before expiration. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 31 July 2025

To put some numbers behind it — running 10 spreads would mean risking $2,500, with the potential to earn $2,500 in profit if NFLX closes at or above $1180 by expiration. —Nishant Pant, CNBC, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, 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