express

1 of 4

verb

ex·​press ik-ˈspres How to pronounce express (audio)
expressed; expressing; expresses

transitive verb

1
a
: 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
2
: to send by express
3
a
: 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
expresser noun
expressible adjective

express

2 of 4

adjective

1
a
: directly, firmly, and explicitly stated
my express orders
b
2
a
: of a particular sort : specific
for that express purpose
b
: designed for or adapted to its purpose
3
a
: 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

3 of 4

noun

1
a(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

4 of 4

adverb

1
: by express
delivered express
2
obsolete : expressly
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
However, Brownlee is generally a tech optimist who often expresses excitement for new products and potential tech trends. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 The billionaire expressed interest in acquiring the Reign and was in the running to buy Angel City. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2024
Adjective
General admission includes access to the main stage, the launch pad, silent disco, food vendors, activations and access to the water refill station. VIP includes everything listed with GA, plus preferred main stage viewing, express entry lane, a private bar and restrooms, plus lounges. Mckenzie Rankin, Axios, 24 Sep. 2024 The average daily volume was flat y-o-y for the express segment, but the average daily shipments were down 3% for the freight segment. Trefis Team, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Noun
Past Erzurum the landscape widens to farmland—the end of the old Eastern express. Kurt Johnson, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2024 FedEx’s Revenue fell 0.5% y-o-y to $21.6 billion in Q1, due to lower express and freight segment sales. Trefis Team, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
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 all Example Sentences for express 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'express.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of express was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near express

Cite this Entry

“Express.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/express. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

express

1 of 4 adjective
ex·​press ik-ˈspres How to pronounce express (audio)
1
: explicit
my express orders
express written consent
2
: of a particular sort : specific
came for that express purpose
3
: sent or traveling at high speed
express mail
especially : making few or no stops
an express train

express

2 of 4 adverb
: by express
send a package express

express

3 of 4 noun
1
a
: a system for the special transportation of goods
b
: a company operating such a service
c
: the goods or shipments so transported
2
: an express vehicle (as an elevator or train)

express

4 of 4 verb
1
a
: to represent or give expression to especially in words : state
b
: to make one's opinions, feelings, or abilities known
c
: to represent especially by a mathematical sign or symbol : symbolize
2
: to press or squeeze out
3
: to send by express
expresser noun
expressible adjective

Medical Definition

express

transitive verb
ex·​press ik-ˈspres, ek- How to pronounce express (audio)
1
: to make known or exhibit by an expression
2
a
: 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 timePaula 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

Legal Definition

express

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​press
: directly and distinctly stated or expressed rather than implied or left to inference compare implied

express

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to make known (one's thoughts, ideas, or opinions) by words, conduct, or symbols see also expression

More from Merriam-Webster on express

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