body language

noun

: the gestures, movements, and mannerisms by which a person or animal communicates with others

Examples of body language in a Sentence

We could tell from his body language that he was nervous.

Recent Examples on the Web

Walker explains that with the sheep, any expression has to come through their body language and eyebrows and eye movements and mouths. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

These calls can also feel stilted without cues like body language or other real-time human feedback. — Sarah Jackson juhohn Lee, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Advertisement Given the sometimes violent border clashes between China and India in recent years, observers will also be watching Xi’s and Modi’s body language closely. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

In one exercise, the no-touch obstacle course helps police officers practice self-awareness using body language to guide a horse. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for body language

• interlanguage
• metalanguage

Kids Definition

body language

noun

: movements (as with the hands) or posture used as a means of expression