Definition

The end of a period of time when something is no longer valid or in effect, such as a contract or a product's freshness.

Example

The expiration date on the milk indicates when it should no longer be consumed.

Conversation

Have you checked the expiration date on that milk?

Not yet, but I hope it's still good.

You should really look before using it; expired milk can be pretty nasty.

I know, right? I’ll check it right now!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Expiration → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "spirare" (meaning to breathe). The word refers to the act of breathing out or the end of a period, as in the expiration of time or a contract.

Memory Tip

Think of 'breathing out' ('ex-' means out and 'spirare' means to breathe) to remember that 'expiration' refers to the end of something, like a deadline.

Visually Confused Words