expression

play

noun ex·pres·sion \ ik-ˈspre-shən \

Definition of expression

1 a :an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (such as words) :utterance

freedom of 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

(3) :a mathematical or logical symbol or a meaningful combination of symbols

(4) :the detectable effect of a gene; also :expressivity 1

2 a :a mode, means, or use of significant representation or symbolism; especially :felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment

read the poem with expression

b (1) :the quality or fact of being expressive

(2) :facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling

3 :an act or product of pressing out

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expressional

play \ik-ˈspresh-nəl, -ˈspre-shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See expression defined for English-language learners

See expression defined for kids

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 of expression from the Web

For decades, voguing, a complex style of dance, has offered LGBTQ teens an outlet for expression often denied by mainstream society.

— laura rena murray, Teen Vogue, "The Vital Role of Voguing For These LGBTQ Teens," 30 Aug. 2017
Leaders of the federal response to the Hurricane Harvey disaster had an early-morning news conference Monday in Washington that was by turns a declaration of competence, an expression of grave concern and a plea for the public’s help.

— joel achenbach, Washington Post, "‘Please don’t give up on us,’ Houston police chief says amid disaster response," 28 Aug. 2017
Seldom if ever before in his tenure has this president so publicly performed the role of chief executive: the demonstrations of command, the expressions of concern for the wellbeing of citizens.

— david frum, The Atlantic, "Trump Won't Back Down," 26 Aug. 2017
Her expression is calm—the sweat on her face and on her white tank top are the only signs of exertion.

— jennifer leuzzi, Bon Appetit, "The Muay Thai Fighter With a Flair For Vegan Baking," 21 Aug. 2017
That everyone expression of their bigotry — verbal and violent alike — were antithetical to the ideals of American democracy.

— michael arceneaux, Essence.com, "Dear White People: What's Happening In Charlottesville Is Not Un-American – It's Classic Americana," 14 Aug. 2017
The diversity of the people who were at McGuffey Park is AMERICA to me—diversity in race, gender expression, sexuality, ability.

— maggie mallon, Glamour, "This UVA Law Student Gave a Powerful First-Hand Account of What Happened in Charlottesville," 14 Aug. 2017
Sitting next to Pearson and Solomon was Omar Woodard, whose face ran through an amazing gamut of expressions while his mouth uttered not a single word about Brady.

— chris brennan, Philly.com, "The future of politics - and Bob Brady - in Philadelphia," 14 Aug. 2017
Was Kuhn merely an expression of a 60s/70s zeitgeist, one among many?

— john horgan, Scientific American Blog Network, "Filmmaker Errol Morris Clarifies Stance on Kuhn and Trump," 2 Aug. 2017

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

First Known Use of expression

15th century

expression Synonyms

Synonyms

articulation, formulation, phrasing, statement, utterance, verbalism, voice, wording

Related Words

outlet, vent; observation, reflection, remark, thought; speech, tongue

EXPRESSION Defined for English Language Learners

expression

play

noun

Definition of expression for English Language Learners

: the act of making your thoughts, feelings, etc., known by speech, writing, or some other method : the act of expressing something
: a word or phrase
: the way someone's face looks that shows emotions and feelings

EXPRESSION Defined for Kids

expression

play

noun ex·pres·sion \ ik-ˈspre-shən \

Definition of expression for Students

1 :the act or process of making known especially in words

2 :a meaningful word or saying

Grandpa uses old-fashioned expressions.

3 :the look on someone's face

She had a pleased expression.

4 :a way of speaking, singing, or playing that shows mood or feeling

She read her lines with expression.

Medical Dictionary

expression

play

noun ex·pres·sion \ ik-ˈspresh-ən \

medical Definition of expression

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