expression

noun ex·pres·sion \ ik-ˈspre-shən \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

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

—

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

Many genes couldn’t (or maybe wouldn’t?) adapt their expression to a flip-flopped sleep schedule.

— megha satyanarayana, STAT, "Stubborn genes: New research looks at how our bodies respond (or don’t) to night shift work," 7 May 2018
Chopra tried her best not to answer the questions, but her facial expressions did seem to give some details away.

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Royal Wedding," 5 May 2018
His expression remained the same, too—not bored, exactly, but never unduly enamored with his latest accomplishment, either.

— jay willis, GQ, "The press release is layered in so much stilted, sanitized corporatespeak," 4 May 2018
On Watch What Happens Live!, Chopra was asked to reveal things about the royal wedding, not in words, but based on her facial expressions, which host Andy Cohen was happy to decipher.

— shannon carlin, refinery29.com, "Is It Normal That Prince Harry Hasn't Met Any Of Meghan Markle's Friends?," 4 May 2018
In this way the missionary fervor once directed toward Christianizing the globe found its late-20th-century expression as proselytizing for population control.

— william mcgurn, WSJ, "The Population Bomb Was a Dud," 30 Apr. 2018
The chancellor could not maintain her poker face during a number of Trump’s comments at their news conference, her expression at times rotating between looks of amusement and bewilderment as the president parried with the press corps.

— jonathan lemire, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump, Merkel cordial, but no apparent movement on Iran," 27 Apr. 2018
Women have historically been passive subjects, but Krannichfeld shows their disinterest and defiance through their expressions.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "A guide to how to choose art for your home," 24 Apr. 2018
The sumptuous, full-bodied sake was unhurried in its expression, but had a surprisingly sharp and clean finish.

— maiko kyogoku, Bon Appetit, "Miho Imada Is Quietly Brewing Some of the Best Sake in the World," 18 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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expression Synonyms

Synonyms

idiom, phrase;

Related Words

cliché (also cliche);

locution, term;

epithet, expletive, name;

byword, cry, motto, shibboleth, slogan, watchword;

archaism, colloquialism, euphemism, modernism, neologism, provincialism, vulgarism;

Phrases

figure of speech;

EXPRESSION Defined for English Language Learners

expression

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

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

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

gene expression can be controlled by regulatory proteins that bind to specific sites on DNA
—Mark Ptashne

(2) : expressivity

2 : facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling

3 : an act or product of pressing out

Law Dictionary

expression

noun ex·pres·sion

legal Definition of expression

1 : an act, process, or instance of representing or conveying in words or some other medium : speech

protected expression under the First Amendment

2 : a mode or means of expressing an idea, opinion, or thought

Note: An expression is protectible under copyright law, but an idea is not.

Learn More about expression

See words that rhyme with expression Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for expression Spanish Central: Translation of expression Nglish: Translation of expression for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of expression for Arabic speakers

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expression

Definition of expression

expressional

Examples of expression in a Sentence

Recent Examples of expression from the Web

First Known Use of expression

expression Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Phrases

Phrases Related to EXPRESSION

Related Phrases

EXPRESSION Defined for English Language Learners

expression

Definition of expression for English Language Learners

EXPRESSION Defined for Kids

expression

Definition of expression for Students

Medical Dictionary

expression

medical Definition of expression

Law Dictionary

expression

legal Definition of expression

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