expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce expedition (audio)
Synonyms of expedition
1
a
: a journey or excursion undertaken for a specific purpose
b
: the group of persons making such a journey
2
: efficient promptness : speed
3
: a sending or setting forth
expeditioner
ˌek-spə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce expedition (audio)
noun

Synonyms of expedition

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haste, hurry, speed, expedition, dispatch mean quickness in movement or action.

haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

expedition and dispatch both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but expedition stresses ease or efficiency of performance and dispatch stresses promptness in concluding matters.

the case came to trial with expedition
paid bills with dispatch

Examples of expedition in a Sentence

a scientific expedition to Antarctica an avid mountain climber, always on an expedition to some far-off corner of the world
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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.
Hosted by Kennedy himself, The Real Food Showfollows the controversial conservative politician on a culinary expedition across the country. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 July 2026 Set in the 1980s during the NASA space shuttle program, this suspenseful novel reveals the complexity behind every expedition, following the relationships and obstacles while conveying a love of exploring the unknown. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 31 July 2026 Numerous expedition cruise itineraries include visits to South Georgia during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, including those from Abercrombie & Kent, Aurora Expeditions, Hapag-Lloyd, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking, and several others. — Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026 According to the Alpine Club, the expedition comprised five Nepali climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, Omani climber Nathira, American climber Mallory Geis, a Chinese climber identified only as Wang, and another foreign climber. — CBS News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for expedition

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expedition was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing expedition

Rhymes for expedition

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Browse Nearby Words

expediter
expedition
expeditionary
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Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expedition. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expedition

noun
ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdish-ən How to pronounce expedition (audio)
1
a
: a journey or trip undertaken for a specific purpose (as war or exploring)
b
: a group making such a journey
2
: prompt handling of what needs to be done
expeditioner
-ˈdish-(ə-)nər How to pronounce expedition (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expedition

Nglish: Translation of expedition for Spanish Speakers

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