expiration date

noun

1
: the date after which something (such as a credit card) is no longer in effect
2
: the date after which a product (such as food or medicine) should not be sold because of an expected decline in quality or effectiveness

Examples of expiration date in a Sentence

Check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure the medicine is still good.
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.
Check expiration dates on over-the-counter medications and replace any item past its expiration date. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Injection, expiration date March 31, 2027 Animals injected with medication containing particulate matter, such as glass fibers, can experience irritation, swelling, inflammation, infection and more, according to the FDA. — Julia Hawkins, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026 For example, car seats have an expiration date and also shouldn’t be used after a car accident. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Consider this Throwback Thursday your sign that a good outfit has no expiration date. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expiration date

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expiration date was in 1887

Rhymes for expiration date

See All Rhymes for expiration date

Browse Nearby Words

expiration
expiration date
expirator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expiration date.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expiration%20date. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expiration date

noun
1
: the date on which something (as a credit card) is no longer of use
2
: the last date on which a product (as food or medicine) can be safely used
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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