expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce expiration (audio)
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

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 This is a version of Italy in which the land and its culture are eternal, but all our other main characters are past their expiration dates and Ripley is learning to find his own artistry in hastening that expiration. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024 During the call, the company announced that approximately 400 Family Dollar and Dollar Tree locations will also be closed in the coming years — due in part to lease expirations. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024 The expiration last fall of covid-era aid for providers stung: The end of aid in Michigan, for instance, was estimated to lead to the closure of 1,200 providers serving 56,000 kids. Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 The special election winner would represent the area until the expiration of the term in April 2025, and the regular election winner would represent the area for four years starting in late April 2025. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024 When the offense breaks down and the shot clock nears expiration and the outcome is in doubt, playmakers are needed to manufacture points. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 On the other hand, the union representing the company’s rank-and-file employees has been agitating for higher wages ahead of negotiations that started today, a strike authorization vote in July, and a contract expiration in September. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 The announcement detailed that lease expiration closures would occur over the next several years. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 The lease has an initial term of one year, from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, and can be terminated by either party's giving 60 days notice prior to the expiration of the lease. Tom Sissom, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expiration was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near expiration

Cite this Entry

“Expiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expiration. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

expiration

noun
ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce expiration (audio)
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 How to pronounce expiration (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on expiration

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