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
Synonyms
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
Observing tail posture in rats adds a new layer to our understanding of rat emotional expression, reminding us that emotions are expressed throughout the entire body.
—
Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
Now, Moses’ artistic journey has led her to another means of expression — wallpaper.
—David Moin, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
The woman’s watchful expression gave way to a warm smile.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
The Pinot Cask expression is also part of the Finishing Series.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expression 
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Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
Now, Moses’ artistic journey has led her to another means of expression — wallpaper.
—David Moin, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
The woman’s watchful expression gave way to a warm smile.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
The Pinot Cask expression is also part of the Finishing Series.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expression
Dictionary Entries Near expression
Cite this Entry
“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expression. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
adjective
-ləs
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
Mark Ptashne
(2)
2
: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3
: an act or product of pressing out
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