gender expression

noun

: the physical and behavioral manifestations of one's gender identity

People vary greatly in the extent to which they hold and convey gendered thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Gender expression refers to the way people convey their gender through mannerisms, behaviors, or expressions.

—Encyclopedia of Sport and Exercise Psychology

For most people, … gender expression occurs so naturally it's unnoticeable. Except when gender expression doesn't match traditional notions of the gender assigned at birth.

—Will Dean

Examples of gender expression in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Human Rights Watch, at least 67 countries have national laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults, and at least nine have criminalize forms of gender expression. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 20 June 2026

The event features a striking diversity of body shapes, ages, complexions, backgrounds, orientations, gender expressions and body art, all made equal under the Florida sun (slightly overcast this year) by their status as golden geese for the fan platforms. — Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026

Between segments, Byrd, a shaggy-haired blonde perpetually clad in a spiderweb crochet bikini, would take calls from viewers, urge them to use condoms and dental dams, and get ready for the next performer, who would vary in gender expression and talent. — Mike Albo, Vulture, 2 June 2026

Pieces can be borrowed for performances or used by individual students seeking a safe way to access clothing that align with their gender expression. — Tony Bravo, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gender expression

• overexpression
• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Medical Definition

gender expression

noun

: the physical and behavioral manifestations of one's gender identity

… some transgender people experience gender dysphoria, defined as psychological distress associated with a sense of incongruence between their gender identity and gender expression and/or body and physical appearance.

—Jae M. Sevelius et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Women in couples where both partners have more feminine gender expressions may be more likely to be perceived as sisters or friends by onlookers, making them less likely to be targets of homophobia, but simultaneously making it more likely that their romantic relationship will be dismissed.

—Lauren Matheson et al., The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality