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 adjective

Examples of expression in a Sentence

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 Those simple expressions of gratitude will hold even more significance for the Salmon family after Tim shattered his left wrist last June in a freak houseboat accident that could have killed him. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023 The whisky produced there is un-peated and tends to have notes of honey and citrus on the palate, although this of course varies depending on the expression. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2023 Ultimately, making a space feel more comfortable, secure and personalized is a tangible expression of hope for a future. Stephanie Acker, The Conversation, 22 Nov. 2023 Considered an expression of wabi-sabi, or imperfect beauty, kokedama evolved from a bonsai technique used with plants whose roots have grown into the shape of their pots. Jenny Comita, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023 Sargent could handle the business side (the commission), the social side (getting on with the sitter), the PR side (right dress, right pose, right expression) and the picture-making side, and sew it all up with invisible stitches. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023 But perhaps what’s most notable about the track is its expression of something like empathy. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023 Here’s a summary on this all: X will protect the public’s right to free expression. Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023 But deeply religious thinkers of the past often saw rational medicine as an expression of faith, not something endangering it. Meg Leja, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Nov. 2023 See More

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

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 28 Nov. 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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