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

Topics ranged from Christianity to body language to self-help to conspiracy theories. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Bridgers proffers the second of the film’s most impressive transformations when Del is occasionally pressed into service to perform as an underage boy — changing her body language, her gait and, again, her voice. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

But Ohtani’s swings and body language Wednesday signaled that something was clearly wrong, affecting Ohtani’s play. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

But the dogs could not distinguish between angry and sad faces, which the study authors believe is because dogs may also need additional information, such as body language, to distinguish between the two emotions. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 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