Expiration: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the end of validity for documents, credit cards, or contracts.

• The expiration date on my credit card is next month.
• Check the expiration of your passport before booking your trip.

Commonly used interchangeably with 'expiration,' particularly in British English, referring to the end of validity for documents, medicines, or perishable items.

• The medicine's expiry date is clearly printed on the bottle.
• The lease agreement has an expiry of one year.

Specifically refers to the last date by which perishable foods should be consumed for safety reasons. Can have negative implications if ignored.

• Do not consume the milk after the use by date.
• The use by date on this package of chicken is tomorrow, so cook it soon.

Applied to food and drink products to indicate when they are expected to be at their best quality. This is not a safety date.

• The best before date on this yogurt is next week.
• Bread often has a best before date to ensure freshness.

Used commonly for perishable goods, medicines, or documents to indicate when they are no longer valid or safe to use.

• Check the expiration date on the milk carton
• The coupon has an expiration date of December 31st

More commonly used in British English, similar to 'expiration,' often for food, medicines, or documents.

• What is the expiry date of this prescription? The product's expiry is listed on the label

Often used in legal and employment contexts to indicate the end of a contract or job, sometimes with a negative implication.

• The employment termination will be effective immediately
• They received a notice of contract termination

Generally used for contracts, projects, or offers to specify the last day they are valid or active.

• The project end date is March 15th
• When is the end date for the promotional offer?

This term is often used for documents or agreements. It signifies the end of validity.

• The expiration of the contract is next month
• Make sure to renew it before the expiration date

Mainly used for perishable goods like food, medicine, and cosmetics to indicate when they are no longer considered safe or effective.

• The expiry date on this yogurt is tomorrow
• Check the expiry date before taking any medication

This phrase describes the length of time a product can be stored and remain suitable for use. Often used in the context of food and pharmaceuticals.

• Canned foods have a long shelf life
• The shelf life of this product is about two years

Commonly found on perishable products, it indicates the last day the product is recommended for consumption to ensure safety and quality.

• Please consume this milk before the use by date
• The use by date on these eggs is next week