expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspre-shən 

1

a

: an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (such as words) : utterance

freedom of expression

b(1)

: something that manifests, embodies, or symbolizes something else

this gift is an expression of my admiration for you

(2)

: a significant word or phrase

(3)

: a mathematical or logical symbol or a meaningful combination of symbols

(4)

: the detectable effect of a gene

also : expressivity sense 1

2

a

: a mode, means, or use of significant representation or symbolism

especially : felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment

read the poem with expression

b(1)

: the quality or fact of being expressive

(2)

: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling

3

: an act or product of pressing out

expressional

ik-ˈspre-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• articulation
• formulation
• phrasing
• statement
• utterance
• verbalism
• voice
• wording

Examples of expression in a Sentence

Dance is a form of artistic expression.

He uses some very odd expressions.

The expression “to make fun of” means “to ridicule.”

Judging from her expression, I think the gift was a complete surprise.

We saw his expression change from angry to sad.

She wore a smug expression.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Leo moon enhances an outspoken and sunny disposition until someone challenges your expression. —Usa Today, USA Today, 27 June 2025

Going further, some of Barrett's critics claim the breaks with Trump have become personal, pointing to the justice's facial expression during an encounter with the president in the House chamber following his joint address to Congress in March. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 25 June 2025

But the Kentucky distillery has many other whiskeys in its lineup, aside from its ultra-aged expressions. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 June 2025

The final essays were different too, with best writing coming out of the Brain-only group, which had the most unique text in terms of expression and vocabulary. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expression

• find expression
• freedom of expression
• gender expression
• give expression to
• re-expression
• self-expression

Rhymes for expression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• impression
• obsession
• oppression
• possession

Kids Definition

expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən 

1

: the act or process of expressing especially in words

2

a

: a meaningful word or phrase

b

: a mathematical or logical symbol or a combination of symbols and signs representing a quantity or operation

3

: a way of speaking or singing or of playing an instrument so as to show mood or feeling

sing with expression

4

: the way one's face looks or one's voice sounds that shows one's feelings

a pleased expression

5

: the detectable effect of a gene

expressionless

-ləs

adjective

expressionlessly adverb

expressionlessness noun

Medical Definition

expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən 

1

a

: something that manifests, represents, reflects, embodies, or symbolizes something else

the first clinical expression of a disease

b(1)

: the detectable effect of a gene

also : the sum of the processes (as transcription and translation) by which a gene is manifested in the phenotype

gene expression can be controlled by regulatory proteins that bind to specific sites on DNA

—Mark Ptashne

(2)

: expressivity

2

: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling

3

: an act or product of pressing out

Legal Definition

expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion

1

: an act, process, or instance of representing or conveying in words or some other medium : speech

protected expression under the First Amendment

2

: a mode or means of expressing an idea, opinion, or thought

Note: An expression is protectible under copyright law, but an idea is not.