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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
However, in recent years, the state's increased its controlling grip on certain aspects of expression, especially in regards to political figures with the passage of law in 2018 that bans criticism of the nation's heroes. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 However, in recent years, the state’s increased its controlling grip on certain aspects of expression, especially in regards to political figures with the passage of law in 2018 that bans criticism of the nation’s heroes. — Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Projects must be led by LGBTQ+ directors and screenwriters, or by professionals whose dissident gender identities and expressions inform their creative perspectives. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Since then, Gaydos continued to use music as a form of artistic expression. — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for expression

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 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All