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

But this standoff took a toll on consumer sentiment, which is at its lowest level since June 2022, and the deal that ended it punts on the expiration of health care subsidies, which will raise premiums for millions of people. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 Nov. 2025

With the expiration of enhanced subsidies, their share of the cost rises. —Evan Moore november 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2025

In 2026 — before accounting for the expiration of the credits — the average ACA Marketplace premium is projected to cost $50 per month, a 35 percent increase from this year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. —Max Rego, The Hill, 12 Nov. 2025

Insurers across the market—not just those relying on ACA subsidies—are bracing for the effects of the expiration, as volatility is expected. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 10 Nov. 2025

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