expulsion

noun

ex·​pul·​sion ik-ˈspəl-shən How to pronounce expulsion (audio)
Synonyms of expulsionnext
: the act of expelling : the state of being expelled
expulsive adjective

Examples of expulsion in a Sentence

The government engaged in mass expulsions. the expulsion of air from the lungs
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.
On the first offense, a violator would be subject to immediate expulsion from the legislative chamber for the remainder of the day, a fine of not less than $500 but not exceeding $1,000, and referral to the chamber’s ethics committee. Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 29 Jan. 2026 If found to violate Senate rules, Jaquez Lewis could have faced an expulsion vote. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2026 In summer 2025, Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White was reelected to the council despite his February 2025 expulsion from the body in the face of bribery charges. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026 The fallout led to tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats, disruption of visa services, reduced consular staffing and a freeze on trade talks. Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expulsion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French expulsioun, from Latin expulsion-, expulsio, from expellere to expel

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expulsion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expulsion. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

expulsion

noun
ex·​pul·​sion ik-ˈspəl-shən How to pronounce expulsion (audio)
: the act of expelling : the state of being expelled

More from Merriam-Webster on expulsion

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!