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
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.
The expedition takes unexpected turn when the quartet unearths a priceless artifact, one that should not exist. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Last October, two climbers, one French, aged 65, and the other South Korean, aged 66, died during expeditions there. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 During his expeditions, Raleigh’s ships carried cannonballs on board for protection against enemy attacks. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026 Among their most remote expeditions are voyages to Papua, Halmahera, and the Forgotten Islands. — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 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 Nov. 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
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