Definition of expression
1a : an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (such as words) : utterance freedom of expressionb (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
2a : 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 expressionb (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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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
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Calling out government for curtailing expression is the civil-rights group’s bread and butter, which in terms of payoffs can look like croissants and marmalade.
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For the title of his Kansas City chapter, the author borrowed an expression from Andy, while high on pot: Powerful funky.
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After the passage of the Maine law, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont were among the states to jump on the bandwagon (an expression that, like Prohibition, has its roots in 1850s America.)
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The law was widely viewed as a crackdown on free expression and liberal values under Mr. Orban, who has called the university a fraud and accused Mr. Soros of fomenting dissent against the government.
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Adding to the dissonant image, Trump’s wife, Melania, and daughter, Ivanka, stood next to the president, silently staring off into the distance, their somber expressions heightened by their all black outfits.
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So my questions (in rehearsal) are: What are this woman's obstacles to expression?
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Spencer Kornhaber highlights how the singer’s career of female self-determination demonstrates the rights of religion, sexuality, and expression that much terrorism seeks to undo.
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Adding to the dissonant image, Trump’s wife, Melania, and daughter, Ivanka, stood next to the president, silently staring off into the distance, their somber expressions heightened by their all black outfits.
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.
15th Century
First Known Use of expression
15th century
EXPRESSION Defined for English Language Learners
expression
playDefinition of expression for English Language Learners
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: the act of making your thoughts, feelings, etc., known by speech, writing, or some other method : the act of expressing something
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: a word or phrase
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: the way someone's face looks that shows emotions and feelings
EXPRESSION Defined for Kids
expression
playDefinition 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
playMedical Definition of expression
1a: something that manifests, represents, reflects, embodies, or symbolizes something else the first clinical expression of a diseaseb (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
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
Additional Notes on expression
An expression is protectible under copyright law, but an idea is not.
Learn More about expression
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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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