expression

noun

ex·​pres·​sion ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce expression (audio)
Synonyms of expression
1
a
: an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (such as words) : utterance
freedom of expression
Dance is a form of creative 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
The expression "piece of cake" means "easy."
(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
He read the poem aloud with expression.
b(1)
: the quality or fact of being expressive
(2)
: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
had a surprised expression
3
: an act or product of pressing out
expressional
ik-ˈspre-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce expression (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of expression

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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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The man didn’t catch Serena’s contemptuous expression, however, too busy peeling bills from a money clip and pressing them into his date’s hand. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Free speech advocates have pointed to the incidents as an example of federal law enforcement infringing on privacy and free expression. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 After introducing the sneaker this spring and selling out the first few releases, Nike is beginning to ramp up the volume on its newest expression of Air Max. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 Because the alcohol drives the storytellers toward vernacular expression, these pieces can seem more alive and authentic, more relatable, than big-budget, big-screen productions. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for expression

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

Phrases Containing expression

Rhymes for expression

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Browse Nearby Words

expressible
expression
expressional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expression. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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)
: 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.

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Nglish: Translation of expression for Spanish Speakers

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