express

verb

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\ ik-ˈspres

expressed; expressing; expresses

Definition of express

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : to represent in words : state

b : to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself)

c : to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself)

d : to give or convey a true impression of : show, reflect

e : to represent by a sign or symbol : symbolize

f : delineate, depict

2 : to send by express

3a : to force out (something, such as the juice of a fruit) by pressure

b : to subject to pressure so as to extract something

4 : to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process

express

adjective

ex·press

Definition of express (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : directly, firmly, and explicitly stated my express orders

b : exact, precise

2a : of a particular sort : specific for that express purpose

b : designed for or adapted to its purpose

3a : traveling at high speed specifically : traveling with few or no stops along the way express train

b : designed or intended to be used for fast movement or travel an express highway with few local exits the express lane at the supermarket

c(1) : delivered faster than usual an express shipment

(2) British : designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger

express

noun

Definition of express (Entry 3 of 4)

1a(1) : a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges

(2) : a company operating such a merchandise freight service

b British : a messenger sent on a special errand

c British : a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger

d British : special delivery

2 : an express vehicle

express

adverb

Definition of express (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : by express delivered express

2 obsolete : expressly

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Other Words from express Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing express Learn More About express

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Synonyms & Antonyms for express

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Adjective

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Adjective

nonspecific

Choose the Right Synonym for express

Verb

express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels. express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces. expressed her feelings in music vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words. a tirade venting his frustration utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech. utter a groan voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words. an editorial voicing their concerns broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion. broached the subject of a divorce air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention. publicly airing their differences

Adjective

explicit, definite, express, specific mean perfectly clear in meaning. explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding. explicit instructions definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision. the law is definite in such cases express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance. her express wishes specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular. two specific criticisms

Examples of express in a Sentence

Verb He expressed an interest in meeting her. She expressed surprise at his rude behavior. The results can be expressed as a percentage. The length, expressed in centimeters, is 29. They expressed the package to us. Adjective the express lane at the grocery store a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk Noun He sent the package to us by express. He takes the express to work. Adverb They sent the package express. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Bringing departments together to express their specific requirements and evaluate potential solutions will result in greater advantages for the organization. — Amit Jain, Forbes, 16 May 2022 Her mother was involved in the Indonesian embassy in town, which became a way for Sadeli to express her culture and, incidentally, to get exposed to street art. — CNN, 13 May 2022 Employees are also protected by the NLRA to collectively approach the employer, express their dissatisfaction with policies and ask for different working conditions. — Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 13 May 2022 Traditional music felt like a safe place to express himself and to explore the dawning awareness of his own queerness. — Priyanka Mattoo, The New Yorker, 9 May 2022 The council discussed expectations that its representatives not express personal opinions to outside agencies as being those of the council. — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022 Metro Detroit chefs took to social media to express condolences and sorrow over the news. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 18 Apr. 2022 One pressing question of the night was whether Hollywood insiders would express dismay about a handful of technical awards being handed out in the hour before the official telecast began, but Campion didn’t seem to mind. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2022 First of all, there is no words to express how devastating the situation is. — CBS News, 4 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Going low-carb at breakfast and lunch for the express purpose of splurging at dinner doesn’t work if your goal is to keep your blood sugar steady. — Barbara Brody, Fortune, 13 May 2022 Train 1242 had not been running its normal schedule and was running express to Union Station at the time, because of a mechanical failure that involved another train. — Rosemary Sobol, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2022 Look no further than the smack Wednesday night that put 6-foot-4-inch Hampus Lindholm on the express train to Palookaville. — Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 7 May 2022 Twenty-nine hours into the citywide search for the man who shot ten people on an express train in Brooklyn on Tuesday morning, the N.Y.P.D. Crime Stoppers hotline received a tip, called in from a McDonald’s in the East Village. — Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2022 The majority of women who have abortions express relief as opposed to regret. — Alexandra Zayas, ProPublica, 5 May 2022 For grab-and-go options, try the express location near gate A17. — Brooke Viggiano, Chron, 4 May 2022 After an express flight comparable to traveling from New York to Singapore, the crew will move in for a five-month stay. — Marcia Dunn, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2022 In the City of Los Angeles, where police are reporting an 8% spike in total violent crimes, progressive District Attorney George Gascon has instructed his deputy prosecutors not to pursue firearms enhancements without his express permission. — Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 21 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Alabama's draft-pick express is showing no sign of a slowdown, particularly with its two best players – linebacker Will Anderson and quarterback Bryce Young – about to enter their first year of draft eligibility. — Chase Goodbread, USA TODAY, 1 May 2022 Yet the Russian military is making little headway halting what has become a historic arms express. — Robert Burns, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Apr. 2022 Preliminary investigation showed that, in a crash on the express, a driver involved in a prior crash got out to look at their vehicle, another vehicle couldn't stop, and the second vehicle hit the first and pushed it into the pedestrian, MSP said. — Elissa Welle, Detroit Free Press, 14 Feb. 2022 Considering the features of most dropshipping businesses whereas a majority of the parcels are relatively lightweight, smaller in size and with fewer items in one order, sellers often choose to send products by express shipping. — Andy Chou, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2021 Citizen petitions to the F.D.A.—which anyone can file to request action or express concern—are published online, and within hours Cassava’s stock had plunged roughly thirty per cent. — Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2022 For those who paid extra for express shipping, packages arrived even more punctually. — Nicolás Rivero, Quartz, 22 Dec. 2021 Nevertheless, international express can always be a backup alternative when delays in production happen and consumers are unsatisfied. — Andy Chou, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2021 Inflation, price increases and clogged shipping networks are threatening to put a crimp in maybe the most beloved supply chain of all: the Santa Claus gift express. — Bill Keveney, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb All express pleasant shock at their changed Sundays. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 5 Feb. 2018 EXPRESS-BUS SOLUTION Why the Metro Gold Line is not the solution to traffic congestion in St. Paul: Congestion is primarily during rush hour and thus the solution must address commuters during typical business hours. — Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 15 June 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'express.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of express

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1f

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for express

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French espresser, from expres, adjective

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French expres, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere to press out, express, from ex- + premere to press — more at press

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Dictionary Entries Near express

expound

express

expressage

Statistics for express

Last Updated

23 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/express. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for express

express

verb

ex·press | \ ik-ˈspres

expressed; expressing

Kids Definition of express

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to make known especially in words I expressed my surprise.

2 : to represent by a sign or symbol The amount was expressed as a percentage.

3 : to send by a quick method of delivery

express

adjective

Kids Definition of express (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : clearly stated an express order

2 : of a certain sort I came for an express purpose.

3 : sent or traveling at high speed express mail

express

noun

Kids Definition of express (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a system for the quick transportation of goods Send your package by express.

2 : a vehicle (as a train or elevator) run at special speed with few or no stops

express

transitive verb

ex·press | \ ik-ˈspres, ek-

Medical Definition of express

1 : to make known or exhibit by an expression

2a : to force out by pressure express breast milk manually or by electric pump

b : to subject to pressure so as to extract something some pumps express one breast at a time— Paula Lynn Parks

3 : to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype a gene selectively expressed in lung tumors also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process individuals with the gene express symptoms of the disease differentially expressed proteins

express

adjective

ex·press