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 enhanced subsidies on the insurance exchanges is driving double- and even triple-digit percentage premium increases for roughly 20 million enrollees. —Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

This year, Novo Nordisk is also facing patent expirations for semaglutide — the active ingredient in its blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic and obesity counterpart Wegovy — in certain countries, including Canada and China. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026

Experts warned that the expiration of subsidies could raise insurance premiums, with particular effects on Texans. —Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026

The same can’t be said for the WGA, which is considering negotiations less than a couple of months ahead of its May 1 contract expiration. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 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