express

verb

Save Word

\ ik-ˈspres

expressed; expressing; expresses

Definition of express

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : 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

f : delineate, depict

2 : to send by express

3a : 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

express

adjective

ex·press

Definition of express (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : directly, firmly, and explicitly stated my express orders

b : exact, precise

2a : of a particular sort : specific for that express purpose

b : designed for or adapted to its purpose

3a : 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

noun

Definition of express (Entry 3 of 4)

1a(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

adverb

Definition of express (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : by express delivered express

2 obsolete : expressly

Other Words from express Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing express Learn More About express

Synonyms & Antonyms for express

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Adjective

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Adjective

nonspecific

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves. — Carrie Rubinstein, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Making an effort to express yourself creatively can give others a fuller picture of you and let your character shine through. — Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2022 Quite a few journalists have remained in Russia but retreated to obscure precincts of social media to express themselves, or to provide information anonymously for existing outlets. — Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2022 Porter is now a stage and screen star, a red-carpet fashion icon and an artist-advocate with much to say and the will to express it. — Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2022 Charlie Chaplin looked to deaf friends like the actor and artist Granville Redmond for cues on how to express himself through gesture, pose and facial expressions. — Robbie Whelan, WSJ, 29 July 2022 Improvisation is often used as a tool to allow people to express themselves more readily. — Oliver Munday, The Atlantic, 29 July 2022 There are changes that occur — epigenetic, that means on top of our genes — that ultimately change the way that our cells express themselves. — Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 27 July 2022 Students who hold even moderate viewpoints are often afraid to express themselves on campus today, one professor says. — Fox News, 27 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Apple silicon Macs also run iPhone and iPad games—if a developer provides express permission for Mac users to do so. — Wired, 9 Aug. 2022 And the levels more and more clearly express feelings of loneliness, confinement, and alienation. — Gabriel Winslow-yost, The New York Review of Books, 3 Aug. 2022 The express MofonGo menu will have rice bowls with pork, chicken, steak or shrimp ($13.89 to $16.89); mofongo with pork or chicken ($13.89), potato balls ($3.50) and empanadas ($2.99). — Susan Dunne, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2022 Another reader asked that MUNI bring back its express lines from the city’s outlying neighborhoods to the downtown area. — Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 July 2022 The new express trains on the New Haven Line depart New Haven early in the morning and leave Grand Central Terminal later in the evening to accommodate people who now commute to work only a few days a week. — Fox News, 11 July 2022 Separately, in the immediate term, the extra express trains are already here. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2022 In the offseason, the front office reloaded the roster with stars, including the league’s leading scorer in 2021, Tina Charles, with the express goal of becoming the team that wins the title. — Laine Higgins, WSJ, 11 July 2022 Powers are generally, but not always (depending on the terms of the power itself) exercised by adding an express clause in the powerholder’s will exercising the particular power if that is desired. — Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 11 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun For example, the cost of flat rate boxes and envelopes sent using priority mail or priority mail express would rise by 95 cents, according to the pricing plan. — Hamza Shaban, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2022 For example, the cost of flat rate boxes and envelopes sent using priority mail or priority mail express would rise by 95 cents, according to the pricing plan. — Hamza Shaban, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Aug. 2022 Universal Orlando has started selling tickets, multi-night admission and express passes for the 2022 edition of Halloween Horror Nights, which kicks off at Universal Studios on Sept. 2. — Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2022 Jungle Jim’s also offers daytime, couples, express, beer and food, wine and food, wine tasting and virtual classes. — Charles Infosino, The Enquirer, 23 July 2022 The carnival, which includes a small Ferris wheel, car rides for little kids, music express and a wacky shack, runs every night. — Alixel Cabrera, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 June 2022 The train was operating express until Fairview Avenue station in Downers Grove, which was going to be its first stop to pick up passengers. — Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2022 Parents on both sides of the gun control debate express concern about their children's safety. — Fred Backus, Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 5 June 2022 Alabama's draft-pick express is showing no sign of a slowdown, particularly with its two best players – linebacker Will Anderson and quarterback Bryce Young – about to enter their first year of draft eligibility. — Chase Goodbread, USA TODAY, 1 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: 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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'express.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of express

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

History and Etymology for express

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

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best baby bottles.

Learn More About express

Dictionary Entries Near express

expound

express

expressage

Statistics for express

Last Updated

15 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/express. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for express

express

verb

ex·press | \ ik-ˈspres

expressed; expressing

Kids Definition of express

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to make known especially in words I expressed my surprise.

2 : to represent by a sign or symbol The amount was expressed as a percentage.

3 : to send by a quick method of delivery

express

adjective

Kids Definition of express (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : clearly stated an express order

2 : of a certain sort I came for an express purpose.

3 : sent or traveling at high speed express mail

express

noun

Kids Definition of express (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a system for the quick transportation of goods Send your package by express.

2 : a vehicle (as a train or elevator) run at special speed with few or no stops

express

transitive verb

ex·press | \ ik-ˈspres, ek-

Medical Definition of express

1 : to make known or exhibit by an expression

2a : 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 time— Paula 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

express

adjective

ex·press