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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lifelike avatars, complete with micro expressions and nuanced body language, were created by Anam, an AI startup launched by Under 30 Europe alum Caoimhe Murphy and her cofounder Ben Carr. Alexandra Meier, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 The nuances of tone and body language are hard to capture in a transcript. Jj Rosen, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025 If the body language and the giggles weren’t enough to tell you that Taylor and Clarke have a genuine love thing going on, what about the fact that Clarke is willing to entertain cowboy hats at her wedding for this man? Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 9 July 2025 Sometimes the tension seeped into his body language and seemed to stiffen his movements at the plate. Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for body language

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of body language was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Body language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/body%20language. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

body language

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

More from Merriam-Webster on body language

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