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
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
However, to encounter Diane Von Furstenberg, her life, her fashion line, her accomplishments, is to experience an exhibition that belongs at the Skirball and speaks to that institution’s mandate, as a powerful expression of Jewish identity and culture.
—
Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Campbell said Chiles, who sees her work as an expression of her Christian faith, has had to decline taking on clients but did not specify how often that has happened.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
Research funded by the federal government has found useful expression in many of the defining technologies of our time: the internet, A.I., crispr, Ozempic, and the mRNA vaccines that saved untold lives during the covid pandemic.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Yes, but: Casual fans who just tune in for big events can appreciate the artistic expression that comes with the genre's elaborate entrances, costumes and catchphrases.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expression
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.
Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Campbell said Chiles, who sees her work as an expression of her Christian faith, has had to decline taking on clients but did not specify how often that has happened.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
Research funded by the federal government has found useful expression in many of the defining technologies of our time: the internet, A.I., crispr, Ozempic, and the mRNA vaccines that saved untold lives during the covid pandemic.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Yes, but: Casual fans who just tune in for big events can appreciate the artistic expression that comes with the genre's elaborate entrances, costumes and catchphrases.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expression
Cite this Entry
“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expression. Accessed 22 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share