express

1 of 4

verb

ex·​press ik-ˈspres How to pronounce express (audio)
expressed; expressing; expresses

transitive verb

1
a
: to represent in words : state
b
: to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself)
c
: to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself)
d
: to give or convey a true impression of : show, reflect
e
: to represent by a sign or symbol : symbolize
2
: to send by express
3
a
: to force out (something, such as the juice of a fruit) by pressure
b
: to subject to pressure so as to extract something
4
: to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype
also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process
expresser noun
expressible adjective

express

2 of 4

adjective

1
a
: directly, firmly, and explicitly stated
my express orders
b
2
a
: of a particular sort : specific
for that express purpose
b
: designed for or adapted to its purpose
3
a
: traveling at high speed
specifically : traveling with few or no stops along the way
express train
b
: designed or intended to be used for fast movement or travel
an express highway with few local exits
the express lane at the supermarket
c(1)
: delivered faster than usual
an express shipment
(2)
British : designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger

express

3 of 4

noun

1
a(1)
: a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges
(2)
: a company operating such a merchandise freight service
b
British : a messenger sent on a special errand
c
British : a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger
d
British : special delivery
2
: an express vehicle

express

4 of 4

adverb

1
: by express
delivered express
2
obsolete : expressly
Choose the Right Synonym for express

Verb

express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels.

express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

Adjective

explicit, definite, express, specific mean perfectly clear in meaning.

explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

Examples of express in a Sentence

Verb He expressed an interest in meeting her. She expressed surprise at his rude behavior. The results can be expressed as a percentage. The length, expressed in centimeters, is 29. They expressed the package to us. Adjective the express lane at the grocery store a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk Noun He sent the package to us by express. He takes the express to work. Adverb They sent the package express.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
But some educators have expressed concern about the broader zero-tolerance approach, saying that controlling students’ behavior so minutely might produce excellent academic results, but does not foster autonomy or critical thinking. Emma Bubola, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Residents in the area have also expressed concerns about the effect on traffic. Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 The country music legend expressed appreciation for years of appreciating her work in the video posted to YouTube on Dec. 22, 2023. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2024 All told, each player expressed desires to win this season. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Guilt taps into something that’s difficult to express out loud. Kishori Rajan, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Many fans have commented on the accounts' posts to express their understanding and disappointment. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 The Ukrainian leader expressed hope that at the inaugural peace summit expected to be held this year in Switzerland, the possibility of reopening all Ukrainian ports, not only in Odesa but also in Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine, will be considered. Ayse Wieting and Suzan Fraser, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Per the study, 63% of a sample of 32 TV series that included themes of work, family, parenting and caregiving generated above-average online engagement among viewers, who expressed intent to share and recommending shows to others. Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024
Adjective
This case doesn’t involve deception, but rather just what the FTC sees as unfairness in how the company sold data that could cause people substantial injury, without their express consent. David Meyer, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 The express mode also isn’t very much faster than steaming vegetables in the microwave. Laura Denby, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 Could centuries-old religious beliefs have been implanted with the express purpose of manipulating the masses? Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes for the quickest entry. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Feb. 2024 With the end of the war, railroads and express companies went back to private ownership in March 1920. Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2024 American Paper Optics, the nation's largest supplier of eclipse glasses, even offers express shipping across the country. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2024 Pontiac Winter Festival This second annual event will have ice skating; shopping; smores; a polar express ride; a gaming truck; bowling truck; music; food; hot chocolate; and more. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 There were so many theories about my presence on the island, ranging from the banal to the absurd, that the Alderney Press ran an article for the express purpose of debunking them. Rebecca Panovka, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024
Noun
Voters across the spectrum express concern about America’s oldest president, who would be 86 at the end of a second term. Shane Goldmacher, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Part of the change-over was consolidating seven railway express companies into a single entity, the American Railway Express Agency (AREA), which began operation in July 1918. Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2024 Coinciding with the ascension of the Rangers, the cracks in Houston’s armor could spell an end to their supremacy over the division and their annual express pass to the ALCS. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 Well, fasten your seatbelts because the longevity express is here to change that. Jennifer Stojkovic, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2024 The claustrophobia is palpable and perfectly executed as hot mess express Andri watches his investigation and his personal relationships unravel. David Faris, theweek, 14 Jan. 2024 Americans like speed: fast food, same-day Amazon door drops and airport express lines. Bob Fernandez, WSJ, 5 July 2023 This also means that the mail will not run (with the exception of special holiday express deliveries). Maggie Horton, Country Living, 19 June 2023 Pineapple express is a TV-friendly phrase that refers to the warm, airborne rivers of moisture that are drawn from the subtropics by storms out of the North Pacific. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2023
Adverb
All express pleasant shock at their changed Sundays. Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 5 Feb. 2018 EXPRESS-BUS SOLUTION Why the Metro Gold Line is not the solution to traffic congestion in St. Paul: Congestion is primarily during rush hour and thus the solution must address commuters during typical business hours. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 15 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'express.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French espresser, from expres, adjective

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French expres, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere to press out, express, from ex- + premere to press — more at press

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1f

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of express was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near express

Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/express. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

express

1 of 4 adjective
ex·​press ik-ˈspres How to pronounce express (audio)
1
: explicit
my express orders
express written consent
2
: of a particular sort : specific
came for that express purpose
3
: sent or traveling at high speed
express mail
especially : making few or no stops
an express train

express

2 of 4 adverb
: by express
send a package express

express

3 of 4 noun
1
a
: a system for the special transportation of goods
b
: a company operating such a service
c
: the goods or shipments so transported
2
: an express vehicle (as an elevator or train)

express

4 of 4 verb
1
a
: to represent or give expression to especially in words : state
b
: to make one's opinions, feelings, or abilities known
c
: to represent especially by a mathematical sign or symbol : symbolize
2
: to press or squeeze out
3
: to send by express
expresser noun
expressible adjective

Medical Definition

express

transitive verb
ex·​press ik-ˈspres, ek- How to pronounce express (audio)
1
: to make known or exhibit by an expression
2
a
: to force out by pressure
express breast milk manually or by electric pump
b
: to subject to pressure so as to extract something
some pumps express one breast at a timePaula Lynn Parks
3
: to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype
a gene selectively expressed in lung tumors
also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process
individuals with the gene express symptoms of the disease
differentially expressed proteins

Legal Definition

express

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​press
: directly and distinctly stated or expressed rather than implied or left to inference compare implied

express

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to make known (one's thoughts, ideas, or opinions) by words, conduct, or symbols see also expression

More from Merriam-Webster on express

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!