expiry

Everyday

1. Expiry is the end of the time when something can be used or is valid, such as a ticket, card or passport. tree →
2. The «expiry date» is the last day food, medicine or a card should be used (UK, Australia, Ireland, NZ; in the US often «expiration date»). tree →

In the lessons

Used in everyday life and safety: check the expiry date on food and medicine; do not take medicine past its expiry. Phrases: «expiry date», «on expiry», «before expiry». It tells the reader something has a time limit.

Examples

• Check the expiry date on the milk before you drink it. tree →
• My library card is near its expiry. tree →
• Do not use medicine after its expiry date. tree →
• The coupon has an expiry date at the end of the month. tree →
• Mum renewed her passport before its expiry. tree →
• The yoghurt was past its expiry, so we threw it away. tree →

Note

Mainly UK/Commonwealth; US says «expiration». Verb: expire (expired = no longer valid). «Best before» means quality may drop but the food may still be safe; «use by» or «expiry» is stricter. Maths: count days left until expiry by subtracting the dates.