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.
Recent Examples on the Web This investigation highlights the deep historical roots and cultural significance of PBM, underscoring its role in human identity and expression through the ages. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2024 Putin benefits heavily from apathy; most Russians have never witnessed a democratic transfer of power between rival political parties in a traditional presidential election, and expressions of anger at the Kremlin are rare enough to keep much of the population disengaged from politics. Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 According to a coalition of civil-rights and advocacy organizations that support Palestinian rights, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Palestine Legal, policing such expression is itself discriminatory. Eyal Press, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2024 The Tonda is a horological expression of the Islamic calendar, according to Parmigiani. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their constitutional right to free expression. Makena Kelly, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024 Perhaps the difference between rattle and body behavior has something to do with subtle differences in their cells’ chemical environments, not the structure or expression of the ion channel itself. Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 Watch Thompson cycle through a range of facial expressions while Brolin reads his weird-ass poetry in the full video above. Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 By boosting the expression of these genes, dietary restriction encourages good brain health. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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