expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspre-shən 

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 sense 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

ik-ˈspre-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

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

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.

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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

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Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing expression

• find expression
• give expression to
• gender expression
• freedom of expression
• self-expression
• re-expression

• find expression
• give expression to
• gender expression
• freedom of expression
• self-expression
• re-expression

Kids Definition

expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən 

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 

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

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.