expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspre-siv 
1
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
2
: serving to express, utter, or represent
… foul and novel terms expressive of rage.—
H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells3
: 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
According to its developers, PNDbotics, the demonstration highlights a shift in humanoid robotics from basic locomotion to expressive, whole-body movement.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026
Handbags are shedding their seriousness and leaning into a more expressive, playful energy.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
This year will be all about richer, more expressive colors in the kitchen.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 16 Jan. 2026
This oriental floral fragrance, created by perfumer Suzy Le Helley, combines notes of overripe guava, cardamom, rose and grey amber, resulting in a scent that is bold, expressive and instantly recognizable.
—Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026
Handbags are shedding their seriousness and leaning into a more expressive, playful energy.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
This year will be all about richer, more expressive colors in the kitchen.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 16 Jan. 2026
This oriental floral fragrance, created by perfumer Suzy Le Helley, combines notes of overripe guava, cardamom, rose and grey amber, resulting in a scent that is bold, expressive and instantly recognizable.
—Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspres-iv
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
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