# expedition

/ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɛkspədˈɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expedition
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a purposeful journey

noun · CEFR B1

a long trip made by a group of people for a special reason, such as exploring or studying something.

For teachers: an organized journey or voyage undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective, such as exploration, research, or a specific task.

- The scientists went on an expedition to the Amazon to study rare birds.
- The university funded a three-month archaeological expedition to Egypt in hopes of uncovering remains from the Middle Kingdom.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'go on', 'lead', or 'organize'.

### 2. the group of people

noun · CEFR B2

the group of people who are going on a special journey together.

For teachers: a collective noun referring to the organized group of people participating in a specific journey or mission.

- The expedition was forced to turn back when the weather became too dangerous.
- After weeks of trekking through the jungle, the expedition finally reached the ruins of the ancient city.

### 3. military mission

noun · CEFR B2

a journey made by soldiers to fight an enemy or reach a specific area.

For teachers: a military enterprise or campaign conducted in a foreign territory or against an enemy.

- The army sent a small expedition to secure the border before winter.
- The naval expedition was launched with the primary objective of disrupting enemy supply lines along the coast.

### 4. speed or efficiency

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

doing something quickly and without wasting time.

For teachers: the quality of being prompt or efficient in the execution of a task.

- The manager handled the customer's complaint with great expedition.
- The judge requested that the legal proceedings be carried out with all possible expedition to ensure a timely verdict.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern conversation; learners will mostly encounter it in formal legal or historical texts.

## Examples

- The scientists are planning an expedition to the rainforest.
- The mountain expedition was delayed for several days due to heavy snow and poor visibility.
- Historical records indicate that the naval expedition was intended to map the coastline, though it eventually served as a strategic military reconnaissance mission.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.