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

• death
• demise
• expiry
• 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

The expiration of the previous deal descended into acrimony when the two sides alleged bad-faith negotiations for a renewal of the terms. —Sabrina Mao, Fortune Asia, 10 Apr. 2024

But amid a tough budget, strained by factors including flat revenue and the expiration of one-time pandemic aid, some city agencies are bracing for cuts. —Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024

In addition to housing costs and income inequality, the county attributed the homelessness surge to the expiration of pandemic-era eviction moratoriums and rental-assistance programs that helped pay for housing. —Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expiration

• expiration date

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