expire
Expire (verb) means to stop being valid or usable after a set time. Example: “My passport expires next month.”
How to use expire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo reach the end of its validity, or, more formally, to die.
Word forms
expired past tense, expires singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My passport _____ next month.
Etymology
From Latin exspirare, "to breathe out," from ex- ("out") + spirare ("to breathe") — the root also seen in "spirit" and "respire."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for expire
See all rhymes for expire →Frequently asked questions
What does “expire” mean?
The word “expire” means to stop being valid or usable after a set time. In plain terms, to reach the end of its validity, or, more formally, to die.
How do you pronounce “expire”?
“Expire” is pronounced ihk-SPEYE-uh (/ɪkˈspaɪə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “expire” in a sentence?
Here is “expire” used in a sentence: “My passport expires next month.”
What part of speech is “expire”?
“Expire” is a verb.
Where does the word “expire” come from?
The word “expire” comes from Latin. From Latin exspirare, "to breathe out," from ex- ("out") + spirare ("to breathe") — the root also seen in "spirit" and "respire.".
Is “expire” a common word?
“Expire” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “expire” have?
“Expire” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stop being valid or usable after a set time.
What is the difference between expire and lapse?
Expire means to stop being valid or usable after a set time has passed, such as a passport or coupon expiring on a specific date. Lapse can describe a similar loss of validity, often due to inaction such as failing to renew, and is common with subscriptions, policies, or memberships that end because a renewal deadline was missed.
What is the difference between expire and die?
Expire can mean to die in a formal or literary sense, but this usage is much less common than its everyday meaning of ceasing to be valid, such as a licence expiring. Die is the plain, everyday word for the end of life, while expire in this sense is reserved for formal, legal, or literary contexts, such as a death certificate.
What kinds of things commonly expire?
Common things described as expiring include food products, medications, warranties, passports, driving licences, insurance policies, and online offers or coupons. In each case, expire signals that the item was valid only up to a set date and can no longer be used or relied upon after that point.