express
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to put (thought) into words; utter or state.
to express an idea clearly.
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to show, manifest, or reveal.
to express one's anger.
- Synonyms:
- indicate
- Antonyms:
- conceal
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to set forth the opinions, feelings, etc., of (oneself ), as in speaking, writing, or painting.
He can express himself eloquently.
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to represent by a symbol, character, figure, or formula.
to express water as H2O; to express unknown quantities algebraically.
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to send by express.
to express a package or merchandise.
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to press or squeeze out.
to express the juice of grapes.
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to exude or emit (a liquid, odor, etc.), as if under pressure.
The roses expressed a sweet perfume.
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Genetics. (of a gene) to be active in the production of (a protein or a phenotype).
adjective
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clearly indicated; distinctly stated; definite; explicit; plain.
He defied my express command.
- Synonyms:
- unambiguous, obvious
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special; definite.
We have an express purpose in being here.
- Synonyms:
- singular, particular
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direct or fast, especially making few or no intermediate stops.
an express train;
an express elevator.
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used for direct or high-speed travel.
an express highway.
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duly or exactly formed or represented.
an express image.
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pertaining to an express.
an express agency.
noun
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an express train, bus, elevator, etc.
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a system or method of sending freight, parcels, money, etc., that is faster and safer, but more expensive, than ordinary freight service.
We agree to send the package by express.
- Synonyms:
- courier
-
a company engaged in this business.
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British. a messenger or a message specially sent.
-
something sent by express.
adverb
-
by express.
to travel express.
-
Obsolete. expressly.
verb
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to transform (ideas) into words; utter; verbalize
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to show or reveal; indicate
tears express grief
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to communicate (emotion, etc) without words, as through music, painting, etc
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to indicate through a symbol, formula, etc
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to force or squeeze out
to express the juice from an orange
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to send by rapid transport or special messenger
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to communicate one's thoughts or ideas
adjective
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clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated
an express wish
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done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular
an express purpose
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of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc
express delivery
an express depot
noun
-
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a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc, rapidly
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merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system
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an enterprise operating such a system
-
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Also called: express train. a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini
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See express rifle
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of express
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English expressen, from Latin expressus “pressed out,” past participle of exprimere “to press out”; see ex- 1 ( def. ), press 1 ( def. )
Explanation
When something goes fast, it goes express — like a train that skips many stops. You also express your feelings and thoughts. When you want something sent quickly, send it by express mail. When you give your opinion, you're expressing yourself. Writing music and poems are also examples of expressing yourself. Mathematical formulas express complex ideas. In genetics, a gene might be expressed by making you bald.
Vocabulary lists containing express
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 3
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STAAR English I: The Language of the Test 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For example, genetic traits may express themselves differently depending on a person's upbringing or life circumstances.
From Science Daily • May 6, 2026
"We express our grave concerns regarding economic coercion, including coercion through arbitrary export restrictions that may lead to supply chain disruptions, notably for critical minerals, and undermine economic security and resilience," the ministers said.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
Ninety percent of new carwashes are express operations offering automated cleanings overseen by one or two employees.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
Regional governor Octavio Guzmán said: "We express our solidarity with the families of those affected by this tragic accident, as well as with our capital city, Popayán."
From BBC • May 4, 2026
Children can draw simple shapes and textures to express sounds and compositions that they’ve invented, or can read the work of another child who has written in this type of notation.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
