expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən 

1

a

: a journey or excursion undertaken for a specific purpose

b

: the group of persons making such a journey

2

: efficient promptness : speed

3

: a sending or setting forth

expeditioner

ˌek-spə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

Synonyms

• journey
• passage
• peregrination
• travel(s)
• trek
• trip

Choose the Right Synonym for expedition

haste, hurry, speed, expedition, dispatch mean quickness in movement or action.

haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

expedition and dispatch both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but expedition stresses ease or efficiency of performance and dispatch stresses promptness in concluding matters.

the case came to trial with expedition

paid bills with dispatch

Examples of expedition in a Sentence

a scientific expedition to Antarctica

an avid mountain climber, always on an expedition to some far-off corner of the world

Recent Examples on the Web

Multiples of the same person are a huge no-no, so 18 first tries to kill 17, but the Mickeys have to work together when the expedition’s banally evil leader, talk-show host/wannabe dictator Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo), wants to exterminate them along with the Creepers. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025

Polar research and expeditions were considered inherently masculine endeavors unsuitable for women during the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, which began in 1897 and lasted until 1922. —Nicole Edenedo, AFAR Media, 3 Mar. 2025

Future Moon missions, including human expeditions, will require precise positioning data to help spacecraft and astronauts navigate to pinpoint landings and rove across the lunar surface. —Kristin Shaw, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025

Additional material from the ancient Lighthouse was discovered underwater by several expeditions in the 20th century. —Hannah Edgar, ARTnews.com, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expedition

• fishing expedition

Rhymes for expedition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdish-ən 

1

a

: a journey or trip undertaken for a specific purpose (as war or exploring)

b

: a group making such a journey

2

: prompt handling of what needs to be done

expeditioner

-ˈdish-(ə-)nər 

noun