1
: showing emotions and feelings clearly and openly
an expressive performance
She has very expressive features. [=her feelings are shown very clearly on her face]
an expressive silence/gesture
2
: showing or expressing something
—+ of
His work is expressive of his personality. [=his work expresses his personality]
3
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/expressive. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.
Copy Citation
