expedition

1 of 2

noun (1)

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən 

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 

noun

expeditioner

2 of 2

noun (2)

ex·​pe·​di·​tion·​er -sh(ə)nə(r) 

plural -s

: expeditionary

the expeditioners left Reykjavik on June 22

—Thomas Foster

Synonyms of expedition

Noun (1)

• trip
• journey
• trek
• excursion

Choose the Right Synonym for expedition

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

Noun (1)

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

Noun

In May, four South Florida defendants were convicted of conspiring to kidnap or kill a person outside the United States, and leading a military expedition against a friendly nation. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Two years later Norwegian polar explorer and zoologist Fritjof Nansen wore Burberry gabardine on his expedition to cross the Arctic Ocean, and the fabric became popular among other polar explorers and aviators who wore it on their missions. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026

The inside scoop For the culinarily adventurous, Suiran has launched a one-day fermentation expedition as part of the Luxury Collection’s itinerary that takes guests from Tokyo, to Kyoto, to Nara. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026

Lime Wood provides bicycles for all ages for rides in the forest, and wellies for walks and foraging expeditions. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Phrases Containing expedition

• fishing expedition

Rhymes for expedition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

expedition

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈdish-ən 

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 

noun