express

1 of 4

verb

ex·​press ik-ˈspres 

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

f

: delineate, depict

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

ik-ˈspre-sə-bəl 

adjective

express

2 of 4

adjective

1

a

: directly, firmly, and explicitly stated

my express orders

b

: exact, precise

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

Synonyms

Verb

• air
• expound
• give
• look
• raise
• sound
• state
• vent
• ventilate
• voice

Adjective

• concrete
• distinct
• especial
• peculiar
• precise
• set
• special
• specific

Noun

• courier
• go-between
• messenger
• page
• runner

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

During arguments before the Supreme Court, several of the justices expressed concerns about the use of nationwide injunctions, but John Sauer, President Donald Trump’s solicitor general, faced pushback this week about whether limiting injunctions was appropriate in this case. —Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 18 May 2025

According to Packer, several high-profile alumni including rapper Common, singer K. Michelle and comedian Roy Wood, Jr. had expressed opposition as well. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025

Adjective

The express understanding was that Mahathir would hand over power halfway through his term. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025

Universal has also announced other products guests can add onto their admission, including express passes, VIP Tours, photos and costume experiences. —Samantha Neely, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

Noun

Prosper Insights & Analytics data shows that 19.9% of respondents over 18 years of age express excitement about experiencing generative AI; only 15% of Boomers and 40% of Gen-Z respondents report actively using it. —Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

As previously reported by the Daily News, the massive overhaul of the largest borough’s bus network will give Queens 124 routes — 94 local and 30 express — with an emphasis on connecting bus riders to the rest of the city’s transit systems. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025

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

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

Phrases Containing express

• express itself/themselves
• express lane
• express oneself
• express train
• pony express
• re-express

Rhymes for express

• abbess
• abscess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess

Kids Definition

express

1 of 4 adjective

ex·​press ik-ˈspres 

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

-ə-bəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

express

transitive verb

ex·​press ik-ˈspres, ek- 

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 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

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