expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce expression (audio)
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
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 adjective

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Ken Feldman Tarzana Advertisement :: The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2023 The brand currently has three expressions — a blanco, reposado and an añejo. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 1 Dec. 2023 Customizable with real-time messaging and various color options, each tap becomes a unique expression of love and affection. Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2023 Even without surgery, smiling can lift the cheeks and minimize jowls, notes Dr. Chance, so people should wear neutral expressions in B&As. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 1 Dec. 2023 In March, Rousteing offered perhaps the most timely expression of unrestricted craft. Killian Wright-Jackson, Essence, 1 Dec. 2023 This particular expression—the Kentucky Edition—was aged for a little more than three years and comes in at 92-proof. Karla Alindahao, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Those simple expressions of gratitude will hold even more significance for the Salmon family after Tim shattered his left wrist last June in a freak houseboat accident that could have killed him. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023 The whisky produced there is un-peated and tends to have notes of honey and citrus on the palate, although this of course varies depending on the expression. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expression was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near expression

Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expression. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

expression

noun
ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən How to pronounce expression (audio)
1
: the act or process of expressing especially in words
2
a
: a meaningful word or phrase
b
: a mathematical or logical symbol or a combination of symbols and signs representing a quantity or operation
3
: a way of speaking or singing or of playing an instrument so as to show mood or feeling
sing with expression
4
: the way one's face looks or one's voice sounds that shows one's feelings
a pleased expression
5
: the detectable effect of a gene
expressionless
-ləs
adjective
expressionlessly adverb
expressionlessness noun

Medical Definition

expression

noun
ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən How to pronounce expression (audio)
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)
2
: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3
: an act or product of pressing out

Legal Definition

expression

noun
ex·​pres·​sion
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.

More from Merriam-Webster on expression

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