body language

American  

noun

1. nonverbal, usually unconscious, communication through the use of postures, gestures, facial expressions, and the like.

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body language British  

noun

1. the nonverbal imparting of information by means of conscious or subconscious bodily gestures, posture, etc

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Etymology

Origin of body language

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Judging from some of her body language, her teammates are also never right, and that’s a shame, because she has some great ones.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

The singers, meanwhile, function to an unusual degree as choreographed characters in a cartoon, leaving little opportunity for body language, allowing, instead, individual expression almost exclusively to their voices.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

It’s meant to be first in a new category of emotionally intelligent robots, trained to respond appropriately to our tone of voice, body language and overall vibe.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

The trick is knowing your cat, their body language and when they have had enough, she added.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Their jackets were hung behind their chairs and their body language, slouching, slightly impatient, said this: We already know the answers.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• gesture