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

• death
• demise
• expiry
• 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

The expiration of Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II’s contracts this summer could create some breathing room. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025

Workers at 77 King Soopers stores across the Denver metro area started a strike Thursday after months of negotiations between the union and the company and the expiration of their contract last month. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025

Blame price hikes and the expiration of certain promotions. —Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2025

Advocates said Tuesday funding for transit remains in a precarious position due to the expiration of those federal funds and the fiscal guardrails. —John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expiration

• expiration date

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