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.
Recent Examples on the Web Primitive Diversity Director: Alexander Kluge Germany Filmmaker Alexander Kluge loves to use the expression ‘primitive diversity’ in relation to the origins of his art: the first films that were made, their genres, motives and moods. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024 Yes, he has been called France’s most important novelist, but praise is generally lavished on his ideas, not their expression. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024 The collection explores the idea of place—how geography, memory, and presence shape artistic expression—and emphasizes the poetic relationship between the land and its people. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Oct. 2024 Next up is examining gene expression during ethanol consumption and seeking patterns in this among animals known to be attracted to alcohol (some beetles and bats, for example). Rachel Berkowitz, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expression 

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 4 Nov. 2024.

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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