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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cries to even the playing field, from both the players and the unions, are unlikely to cease between now and the expiration of the CBA. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 One of the main points of contention between Democrats and Republicans has been the impending expiration of some of the Affordable Care Act's tax credits, which Democrats are fighting to extend. Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025 Rice shared the news of his decision to resign at the expiration of his current employment contract with Fifth Season staffers on Friday. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 Niccol cited factors such as financial performance and lease expirations as reasons for the decision. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expiration

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expiration was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expiration. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!