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

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 

adjective

Synonyms of expression

• voice
• formulation
• wording

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

The United States not only encourages artistic expression, it’s enshrined in the Constitution, under the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and assembly. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

Obviously, your show is a great expression of this. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026

Some critics have raised privacy and free expression concerns, and this year lawmakers have been at odds after House Republicans introduced a version of the bill with fewer protections. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026

Black dahlias are thought not to always represent a high anthocyanin concentration — although this is sometimes the case — but are more likely the result of a virus that prevents expression of conventional flower colors. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing expression

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

Rhymes for expression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• impression
• obsession
• oppression
• possession

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.