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Definition of expiry

expiry

/ɪkˈspaɪ.ri/
ex · pi · ry
Plural:expiries
•
Adjective:expiratory
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expiry Lexical Profile

expiry Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British The termination or end of the period for which something, such as a contract, document, or perishable item, is valid or usable.

Example

"Please check the expiry of your passport before booking international flights."

2

The act of breathing out air from the lungs, or of breathing one's last breath at death.

Example

"The physician quietly recorded the exact time of the patient's expiry."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

'Expiry' is the standard noun form in British and Commonwealth English (as in 'expiry date'), whereas 'expiration' is strongly preferred in American English.

• Rhymes for expiry

• Nearby Words

expirable
expiration
expire
expiry
explain
explainability
explainable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-18th century from the verb 'expire', which comes via Old French from Latin expirare ('to breathe out' or 'to die'), combining ex- ('out') and spirare ('to breathe').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Expiry. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/expiry
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