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

The push for inclusivity in climbing extends beyond racial diversity to encompass climbers with disabilities, varying economic backgrounds, and different gender expressions. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025

And the barriers aren’t just about race; they’re compounded by disability, queerness, gender expression, and class. —AFAR Media, 8 Sep. 2025

Backed by a seven-piece band, Lauper’s distinctive style and vocals transported thousands of all ages and gender expressions during her 15-song set. —Jessi Roti, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025

There are a lot of beautiful people of varying gender expressions in this series. —Stacia Brown, Vulture, 26 June 2025

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