expedition

/ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃən/
nounIntermediate organized journey for a specific purpose
formal

A journey undertaken for a particular purpose, especially exploration, scientific research, or adventure.

The National Geographic team launched an expedition to document undiscovered species in the Amazon rainforest.

They organized a trip to explore and record new species in the Amazon.

Mountaineers often join expeditions to climb the world's highest peaks.

Climbers frequently participate in organized trips to scale tall mountains.

💡

Often implies a well-planned, multi-person journey with a clear objective.

Collocations

scientific expeditiona trip for research purposesmilitary expeditiona mission involving armed forcesexpedition teamthe group of people on the journey

Related Phrases

on an expeditionphrase
currently traveling for a specific purpose
expeditionary forcephrase
a military unit sent on a mission

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'expedition' for formal or adventurous contexts; for casual trips, 'trip' or 'journey' may be more natural.

Gold Rule

Subject Clarity

Always specify the purpose of the expedition (e.g., 'scientific expedition', 'military expedition').

📖Word Origin

From Middle French 'expédition', from Latin 'expeditio', meaning 'a sending out, dispatch'

📝Usage Notes

Can refer to both physical travel and metaphorical endeavors (e.g., 'a business expedition').

Word Breakdown

ex-
out
prefix
+
-pedition
to send
root
English Dictionary