expansion

noun

ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan(t)-shən 

1

: expanse

2

: the act or process of expanding

territorial expansion

economic expansion

expansion of the universe

3

: the quality or state of being expanded

4

: the increase in volume of working fluid (such as steam) in an engine cylinder after cutoff or in an internal combustion engine after explosion

5

a

: an expanded part

b

: something that results from an act of expanding

the book is an expansion of a lecture series

6

: the result of carrying out an indicated mathematical operation : the expression of a function in the form of a series

expansional

ik-ˈspan(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• accretion
• accrual
• addendum
• addition
• augmentation
• boost
• gain
• increase
• increment
• more
• plus
• proliferation
• raise
• rise
• step-up
• supplement
• uptick

Examples of expansion in a Sentence

The league is undergoing expansion.

the expansion of a lecture series into a book

This book is an expansion of a lecture series.

Recent Examples on the Web

Going into 2025, the brand is eyeing wholesale and further category expansions and giving back to its communities by supporting different parks across the U.S., with each collection being tied to a charity or cause that directly benefits public spaces. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 30 Dec. 2024

If done thoughtfully, B2B expansion can enhance your ability to deliver on your mission and serve your consumers better, giving you the scale and tools to make an even bigger impact. —Adrian Nazari, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

The Cavs announced in November their intention to bring the WNBA back to Cleveland with an expansion team. —Jason Lloyd, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

That renewable energy continues to gain ground is hardly a new story, but the expansion of solar power in the past year has been stunning. —Umair Irfan, Vox, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expansion

• expansion card
• expansion slot

Kids Definition

expansion

noun

ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan-chən 

1

: the act of expanding

2

: the state of being expanded

3

: something expanded or a result of expanding

4

: the result of carrying out indicated mathematical operations

the expansion of (a + b)² is a² + 2ab + b²

Medical Definition

expansion

noun

ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan-chən 

1

: the act or process of expanding

2

: the quality or state of being expanded