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-ˈspre-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

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

His expression was a mixture of confusion and dejection. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024

The man reacted with a stunned expression, looking in the direction of the waitress with anger before realizing that his family had orchestrated the joke. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

There are two core expressions, a blended whiskey and a straight bourbon, but this series, which is in its eleventh iteration, strays far from those in terms of mashbill and maturation. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024

Taking its cues from the contrasts in the rugged Orcadian landscapes and the warming waters of the Gulf Stream for the younger travel retail expressions, to the dramatic skies for the 18-year-old, the new look will redefine the centuries-old distillery, founded 226 years ago. —Kevin Rozario, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

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

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.