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
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
Negotiations on a contract extension before its expiration turned heated last summer.
—
Carlton Gillespie, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
An investor must be prepared to own TLT at $86 if put was to be exercised before expiration.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
At the time, Saks Global indicated that its decision to close Off 5th stores followed an extensive analysis of the fleet, including market dynamics, lease expirations, customer behavior and long-term business potential.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Jan. 2026
Following the expiration of these subsidies, health insurance premiums are skyrocketing for around 90% of Americans who use health insurance from the exchange.
—Sorelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Expiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expiration. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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
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