expedition

/ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃən/
organized journey for a specific purpose

The scientists embarked on an expedition to study Arctic wildlife.

They went on a planned trip to research animals in the Arctic.


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