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 party has also been divided over how to handle government funding and the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies. —Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 15 Dec. 2025

Rising insurance bills force consumers to assess options ACA experts say many consumers are likely scrutinizing their monthly costs due to the expiration of the enhanced tax credits. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025

Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate are breaking with their party and supporting measures to extend subsidies for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) amid concerns over the tax credits’ nearing expiration—and the spike in premium costs it’s expected to cause. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 12 Dec. 2025

Dewhurst Properties failed to pay its $14,196 monthly rent since January 2024, according to the complaint filed July 18, and stayed past its lease expiration in December 2024. —Charlotte Observer, 12 Dec. 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