expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspre-siv How to pronounce expressive (audio)
1
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
2
: serving to express, utter, or represent
foul and novel terms expressive of rageH. G. Wells
3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

Examples of expressive in a Sentence

the expressive function of language the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her expressive face is hidden behind heavy makeup for an appearance more wooden than an early Botox adopter. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 Isko aims to strike this balance by offering both expressive storytelling, versatile fabrics and lightweight options that fit easily into core programs. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025 And the film’s intimacy throughout is amplified in the frequent tight close-ups of cinematographer Matthew Libatique’s expressive visual language. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 Let’s draw some of it out for a deeper look, toy with it, take it into a new light with inventive and expressive projection. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expressive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Cite this Entry

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

expressive

adjective
ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspres-iv How to pronounce expressive (audio)
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express
3
: full of expression
also : openly expressing one's feelings
an expressive face
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective
ex·​pres·​sive
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express or represent
expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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