expression

noun ex·pres·sion \ ik-ˈspre-shən \

|Updated on: 20 Jul 2018

Examples: expression in a Sentence

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

Yellow Dragon/Young Tiger Taekwondo Classes This class teaches self-defense, physical fitness and artistic expression for ages 5-12.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Davie area events July 18-28," 14 July 2018
The technology analyzes facial movements and expressions to gauge emotions, and is used by major corporations to test the effectiveness of TV ads.

— hiawatha bray, BostonGlobe.com, "Tech community wrestles over working with government," 13 July 2018
Their debut album, Daddy, which arrived on June 15, confronts heteronormativity and conventions of gender expression alongside abrasive musicality.

— henry youtt, Billboard, "GRLwood Host Basement Rager in 'Bisexual' Video: Premiere," 13 July 2018
Ellen’s preferred form of creative expression is witchcraft, a practice that certainly deserves a measure of suspicion.

— katherine fusco, The Atlantic, "Hereditary and the Monstrousness of Creative Moms," 11 July 2018
For online expressions sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.

— hartford courant, courant.com, "George J. Berry," 8 July 2018
This was important, DePaulo explained, to ensure that the diners would not be judged differently because of shifting postures or expressions.

— dana snitzky, Longreads, "Eating Alone," 6 July 2018
Artistic expression is bound to suffer if creatives have to second-guess every thought for fear of censorship.

— shayera dark, The Verge, "Strict new internet laws in Tanzania are driving bloggers and content creators offline," 6 July 2018
Technology firms and free-speech advocates have said both measures would stifle online expression.

— sam schechner, WSJ, "Tech Companies Win Reprieve as EU Parliament Delays Copyright Law," 5 July 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

NEW! Time Traveler

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