Words / B2

ik-SPEYE-uh-ree/ɪkˈspaɪəri/

Expiry is the end of the time when something is valid (British; usually uncountable as a date label): expiry date; on expiry. Expire is the verb (already in B2); expiration is the US twin; best-before is food. Quote the expiry date on the ID, then the exam window. Mix-up: expiry vs expire; expression; do not write expiry for a food “use by” unless the source uses expiry.

Meaning

The end of the time when something is valid (British; US expiration).

Examples

• “Quote the expiry date on the ID, then the exam window, not a “use by” slogan.”
• “Passport expiry featured in the citizenship case, which is the validity sense — still name the date.”

Good to know

expiry date; on expiry. Verb: expire (already in B2). US twin: expiration. Trap: a food use-by with no expiry wording. Citizenship, admin, and business. When something stops being valid — quote the date.

Near in meaning

expiration, end date, lapse

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