expansion

noun

ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan(t)-shən How to pronounce expansion (audio)
1
2
: the act or process of expanding
territorial expansion
economic expansion
expansion of the universe
3
: the quality or state of being expanded
4
: the increase in volume of working fluid (such as steam) in an engine cylinder after cutoff or in an internal combustion engine after explosion
5
a
: an expanded part
b
: something that results from an act of expanding
the book is an expansion of a lecture series
6
: the result of carrying out an indicated mathematical operation : the expression of a function in the form of a series
expansional adjective

Examples of expansion in a Sentence

The league is undergoing expansion. the expansion of a lecture series into a book This book is an expansion of a lecture series.
Recent Examples on the Web According to the New York Post, Arnett was first told the expansion might cut through part of her property. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 The event is among the growing body of programs under the Hitsville Next umbrella, launched as part of the Motown Museum’s ongoing $65 million expansion. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024 The reservists are not curtailing settlement expansion, Yosef Shalom said. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Opponents fear the bill will be an ineffective solution to real national security concerns, while coming with unacceptable limits on free speech and expansion of governmental power. Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 People opposing the expansion say the project's benefits favor suburban commuters over Black and Brown people living near the freeway — many of whom don't own cars. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 By 1979, the Valley of the Sun was home to 2.6 million inhabitants, witnessing expansion and evolution in a manner unfamiliar to many natives. Kira Caspers, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 That’s far above the 0.9% expansion predicted for Europe. David McHugh, Fortune Europe, 12 Mar. 2024 Without Lowder, the club could turn to Rowland, a seasoned veteran and four-time NWSL champion who was selected from the North Carolina Courage in the expansion draft. Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expansion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expansion was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near expansion

Cite this Entry

“Expansion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

expansion

noun
ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan-chən How to pronounce expansion (audio)
1
: the act of expanding
2
: the state of being expanded
3
: something expanded or a result of expanding
4
: the result of carrying out indicated mathematical operations
the expansion of (a + b)2 is a2 + 2ab + b2

Medical Definition

expansion

noun
ex·​pan·​sion ik-ˈspan-chən How to pronounce expansion (audio)
1
: the act or process of expanding
2
: the quality or state of being expanded

More from Merriam-Webster on expansion

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