expression

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ɪkˈsprɛʃ.ən/
• SAMPA: /Ik"sprES.@n/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular expression

Plural expressions

A woman showing various facial expressions

1. An expression is a way your face can look that shows how you feel. Smiles and frowns are expressions.

   I could tell he was lying by the expression on his face.

2. An expression is a group of words, like a phrase or sentence, often one that is used by many people.

   "Read between the lines" is a common expression for knowing meanings that are not written or spoken.

3. (mathematics) An expression is a group of numbers and variables.

   The expression "2x + y - 3" was set equal eight in the equation.