expiration

noun

ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce expiration (audio)
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

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 Following six straight trading days in the red since the expiration of the lockup restrictions, including hitting a new 52-week low on Monday, Trump Media shares snapped a losing streak Tuesday, ending the trading day up more than 5% at $12.79 per share. Ece Yildirim, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2024 If United Atlantic Ventures sold its shares on September 20, the first day after the expiration of the lock-up period, the sale proceeds would have amounted to $102 million. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024 Since the expiration of the public health emergency in May 2023, many insurers stopped covering the cost of COVID tests. Kelly Tyko, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024 Moss represented Messersmith and McNally — who also had pitched without a contract in 1975 — in asserting that a player should become a free agent one year after the expiration of his contract. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expiration 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expiration was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near expiration

Cite this Entry

“Expiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expiration. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

expiration

noun
ex·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce expiration (audio)
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 How to pronounce expiration (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on expiration

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!