express

verb

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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 | \ ik-ˈspres

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 Learn More about express

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Synonyms & Antonyms for express

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Adjective

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Verb

stifle,
suppress

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Blagojevich's new corruption trial bumps into the old one, which received an avalanche of publicity, as many prospective jurors express disdain for politicians in general and the former governor in particular. — Jonathon Berlin, chicagotribune.com, 1 June 2021 Balance matters in a film about negotiations between two sides, both of whom express feelings of being stereotyped, misrepresented and misunderstood. — Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2021 Avoid wit that can be easily seen as highlighting status to insult or express superiority (e.g., sarcasm, hostile humor, mockery). — Beau River, Forbes, 28 May 2021 Encourage them to ask questions and express concerns. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, orlandosentinel.com, 28 May 2021 Not only did Foltz express interest in making a virtual classroom visit an annual affair, but Insley said the recent recording will inspire her future classes, as well as other students in the district. — John Benson, cleveland, 27 May 2021 There are not a lot of words that express two simultaneous emotions. — BostonGlobe.com, 26 May 2021 And White House domestic policy adviser Susan Rice became the latest administration official to express optimism over its progress Tuesday. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 26 May 2021 Klarides is the first Republican to formally express interest in the race. — Daniela Altimari, courant.com, 26 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective These federal funds are being sent with the express purpose of helping those still struggling in the wake of the pandemic. — Erin Murphy And Cedrick Frazier, Star Tribune, 28 May 2021 As more than 1,500 Hamas rockets were flying toward Israeli cities with the express purpose of murdering civilians, CNN could spare only around four minutes — in total — to cover the topic during the an entire week of prime time. — David Harsanyi, National Review, 17 May 2021 Winterman and Cipollone’s express satisfaction at the accomplishment, but both also insist the award is never the outright goal. — Adam Morganstern, Forbes, 28 May 2021 But don’t expect to make like Dr Evil and turn one into an enormous private estate—these shards of paradise are being auctioned off with the express condition that successful bidders must commit to building a resort of some kind on the land. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 25 May 2021 The express delivery service provider said its seeking to fill vacancies and add new employees to meet the dramatic rise in shipment volumes over the past several months at CVG, according to a press release. — Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 May 2021 Hundreds of young Jews who support a religious, nationalist movement started to move into a mostly Arab neighborhood with the express aim of strengthening the Israeli city’s Jewish identity. — New York Times, 23 May 2021 So even our express lane network becomes almost a bus rapid transit system for bus systems and our carpooling. — Washington Post, 23 May 2021 The agency is also proposing to eliminate the 60-cent express fare. — Colin Campbell, baltimoresun.com, 18 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Lastly, the peak residential delivery charge for express and ground services in the U.S. will double to $0.60 per package, compared to $0.30 currently. — Trefis Team, Forbes, 27 May 2021 Garnish with a fresh flower and/or a lemon express (both ways are lovely). — Karla Alindahao, Forbes, 11 May 2021 How does apparent lack of self-confidence express itself? — Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2021 While shipping has been a hassle since the beginning of the pandemic, according to retailers website’s who offer express-shipping, product should be delivered before the weekend. — Nandi Howard, Essence, 3 May 2021 More broadly, 53% express concern that Biden will do too much to increase the size and role of government in U.S. society. — Gary Langer, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2021 Instead, the Surge stormed back, and the Empire required a round 11 search and destroy win on express to escape with a 3-2 win Saturday evening. — Sean Collins, Dallas News, 20 Mar. 2021 Wells Fargo for many years has used the image of the stagecoach in its marketing, recalling the bank's start in the 1850s as provider of express and banking services through the frontier West. — Kavita Kumar, Star Tribune, 15 Mar. 2021 The recipe was passed down from her grandmother, Tico, says owner Holly Holleran ($19.95 for four; $44.45 for a dozen, plus shipping by FedEx two-day express). — Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Mar. 2021 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

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

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Dictionary Entries near express

Statistics for express

Last Updated

4 Jun 2021

Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/express. Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for express

express

verb

English Language Learners Definition of express

(Entry 1 of 4)

: to talk or write about (something that you are thinking or feeling)

: to make (your thoughts and feelings) known by doing something other than talking or writing

: to show (an amount, quantity, etc.) by a sign or a symbol

express

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of express (Entry 2 of 4)

: said or given in a clear way

: of a particular kind

: traveling at high speed with few stops

express

noun

English Language Learners Definition of express (Entry 3 of 4)

: a system for delivering things (such as letters and packages) quickly

: a train or bus that travels quickly with few stops

express

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of express (Entry 4 of 4)

: by a system that delivers letters and packages quickly : by express

See the full definition for express in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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

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express

adjective

ex·press