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

Dance is a form of creative 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

The expression "piece of cake" means "easy."

(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

He read the poem aloud with expression.

b(1)

: the quality or fact of being expressive

(2)

: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling

had a surprised expression

3

: an act or product of pressing out

expressional

ik-ˈspre-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of expression

• voice
• formulation
• 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

Day-to-day shifts on the frontlines in Ukraine and rhetorical expressions of domestic discontent are not among Putin’s major concerns. — Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

Rather than mine the archive wholesale, Icons reduces recognizable Borgo signatures to their foundations, preserving the rigor while shifting their expression. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Melling’s superpower is a strange one; his face always seems to bear the expression of someone about to drop 500 feet without a seatbelt on a Six Flags rollercoaster, and this ability to manifest existential horror is a core feature of Stuffed. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026

They can be seen as the external expression of an aspect of America our true-believing enemies have learned to hate and fear. — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

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.