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
The details of Mann’s conduct here remain shocking — especially in a nation such as the United States, which was built atop the foundations of free expression.
—
The Editors, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
The New York State Legislature screening with Rehabilitation Through the Arts highlights the central message of the film about the potential of rehabilitation and artistic expression as tools for change inside the prison system.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2025
Blocked on government devices: Taiwan, Britain, Canada and others
Some governments have tried to balance concerns about TikTok’s security with free expression.
—Meaghan Tobin, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Congress’ goal of protecting Americans’ data from being misused by China has nothing to do with expression, the department wrote in a filing.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expression 
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The Editors, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
The New York State Legislature screening with Rehabilitation Through the Arts highlights the central message of the film about the potential of rehabilitation and artistic expression as tools for change inside the prison system.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2025
Blocked on government devices: Taiwan, Britain, Canada and others
Some governments have tried to balance concerns about TikTok’s security with free expression.
—Meaghan Tobin, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Congress’ goal of protecting Americans’ data from being misused by China has nothing to do with expression, the department wrote in a filing.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
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 18 Jan. 2025.
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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