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
But in his 14-page ruling, Anderson noted that the article is non-fiction, and that simply reporting facts — including dialogue between real people — is not protectable expression.
—
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
Your spatial computing dreams — or perhaps, nightmares — are coming true with Spatial Personas
The Apple Vision Pro’s Spatial Personas, avatars designed to replicate a user’s facial expressions and hand gestures, have been set loose.
—Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expression 
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
Your spatial computing dreams — or perhaps, nightmares — are coming true with Spatial Personas
The Apple Vision Pro’s Spatial Personas, avatars designed to replicate a user’s facial expressions and hand gestures, have been set loose.
—Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expression
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near expression
Cite this Entry
“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expression. Accessed 18 Apr. 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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