expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce expression (audio)
1
a
: an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (such as words) : utterance
freedom of expression
b(1)
: something that manifests, embodies, or symbolizes something else
this gift is an expression of my admiration for you
(2)
: a significant word or phrase
(3)
: a mathematical or logical symbol or a meaningful combination of symbols
(4)
: the detectable effect of a gene
2
a
: a mode, means, or use of significant representation or symbolism
especially : felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment
read the poem with expression
b(1)
: the quality or fact of being expressive
(2)
: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3
: an act or product of pressing out
expressional
ik-ˈspresh-nəl How to pronounce expression (audio)
-ˈspre-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Example Sentences

Dance is a form of artistic expression. He uses some very odd expressions. The expression “to make fun of” means “to ridicule.” Judging from her expression, I think the gift was a complete surprise. We saw his expression change from angry to sad. She wore a smug expression. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Fitness is a topic that can easily be denigrated as an expression of trendy vanity, Dr. Petrzela said. Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2023 In the other two countries, people were more likely to maintain close relationships with their voices and less apt to describe them as the expression of a mind violated by auditory hallucinations. Matthew M. Kurtz, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023 But the link between farming and health is always on the mind of Masandouno, the village chief, whose brow seems permanently furrowed in an expression of concern. Caroline Chen, ProPublica, 27 Feb. 2023 But the experience of watching it is colored by the fact that it was hand-woven by one person as an expression of love and gratitude for her friends. Vivian Lam, WIRED, 24 Feb. 2023 My heels click boldly on the steel, an expression of both confidence and anticipation. Janice Wald Henderson, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2023 It was understood by the participants, Higgins said Friday afternoon, that this was an initial meeting and an expression of support from the governor and Arkansas State Police, with no long-term decisions made. Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 18 Feb. 2023 Pin looks at me with an expression of utter bafflement. Corey Seymour, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2023 Healing begins with an expression of authentic concern. Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expression was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near expression

Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expression. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

expression

noun
ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən How to pronounce expression (audio)
1
: the act or process of expressing especially in words
2
a
: a meaningful word or phrase
b
: a mathematical or logical symbol or a combination of symbols and signs representing a quantity or operation
3
: a way of speaking or singing or of playing an instrument so as to show mood or feeling
sing with expression
4
: the way one's face looks or one's voice sounds that shows one's feelings
a pleased expression
5
: the detectable effect of a gene
expressionless
-ləs
adjective
expressionlessly adverb
expressionlessness noun

Medical Definition

expression

noun
ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən How to pronounce expression (audio)
1
a
: something that manifests, represents, reflects, embodies, or symbolizes something else
the first clinical expression of a disease
b(1)
: the detectable effect of a gene
also : the sum of the processes (as transcription and translation) by which a gene is manifested in the phenotype
gene expression can be controlled by regulatory proteins that bind to specific sites on DNA Mark Ptashne
(2)
2
: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3
: an act or product of pressing out

Legal Definition

expression

noun
ex·​pres·​sion
1
: an act, process, or instance of representing or conveying in words or some other medium : speech
protected expression under the First Amendment
2
: a mode or means of expressing an idea, opinion, or thought

Note: An expression is protectible under copyright law, but an idea is not.

More from Merriam-Webster on expression

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