Synonyms of expirationnext
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
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.
Currently, free agency begins five days after the World Series, with no expiration on when players can sign. Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Millions of people are expected to drop their coverage this year following the expiration. Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 But the company confirmed that the property owner is terminating the lease before its expiration, reports say. Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 In the mobile app, an hourglass icon takes you to expiration control. Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expiration

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expiration was circa 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Expiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expiration. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

expiration

noun
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
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

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