expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspre-siv How to pronounce expressive (audio)
1
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
2
: serving to express, utter, or represent
foul and novel terms expressive of rageH. G. Wells
3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

Examples of expressive in a Sentence

the expressive function of language the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The expressive face of the puppet can be helpful then. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 16 Oct. 2024 My films are really expressive about people’s lives. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024 Yamada’s color direction is deeply expressive from start to finish. Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024 Here's an Editors' Choice-winning all-in-one kit that leverages Philips' century of experience in the bulb world to deliver a simple, expressive lighting system. K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expressive 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expressive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near expressive

Cite this Entry

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

expressive

adjective
ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspres-iv How to pronounce expressive (audio)
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express
3
: full of expression
also : openly expressing one's feelings
an expressive face
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective
ex·​pres·​sive
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express or represent
expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

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