expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspre-shən 

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

also : expressivity sense 1

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 

-ˈspre-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• articulation
• formulation
• phrasing
• statement
• utterance
• verbalism
• voice
• wording

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.

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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

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Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing expression

• find expression
• freedom of speech/expression
• gender expression
• re-expression
• give expression to
• self-expression

• find expression
• freedom of speech/expression
• gender expression
• re-expression
• give expression to
• self-expression

Kids Definition

expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspresh-ən 

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 

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)

: expressivity

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.