express
Americanverb (used with object)
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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
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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
-
merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system
-
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
- expresser noun
- expressible adjective
- expressless adjective
- expressor noun
- overexpress verb (used with object)
- preexpress verb (used with object)
- quasi-expressed adjective
- reexpress verb (used with object)
- superexpress noun
- unexpressible adjective
- well-expressed adjective
Etymology
Origin of express
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English expressen, from Latin expressus “pressed out,” past participle of exprimere “to press out”; ex- 1 ( def. ), press 1 ( def. )
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.
Known as shabties, they perform agricultural duties for the deceased, but primarily they express dignity, immeasurable calm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
He later apologised and said he was unable to express himself "adequately" in French - an official language in Canada - despite taking lessons over the years.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
Rousseau had sparked controversy by issuing an English-only video message to express condolences after a deadly collision late on March 22 between an Air Canada jet and a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
"We express our deep concern for the two Mexican vessels transporting humanitarian aid to Cuba as part of the Our America Convoy," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on social media platform X.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
I should be planning a speech—something that will express my jumbled feelings and bring closure.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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.
