Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

body language

American  

noun

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

body language British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of body language

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

She punched the air at the conclusion, and even as she missed out on a medal she had the body language of someone pleased to have brought her best to the Olympic stage.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Defense attorney Harpootlian said during Wednesday’s hearing that Hill instructed jurors to be skeptical of Murdaugh’s testimony and to pay more attention to his body language more than his words.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

"His technique is unbelievable, his body language is top," said Flick, adding that the Spaniard may be able to start playing regularly for Barca next season.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

She knew how to vamp like no other, using facial expressions and body language like building blocks to create everyone’s favorite characters.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

Skills: dancing, physical co-ordination, sports, hands on experimentation, using body language, crafts, acting, miming, using their hands to create or build, expressing emotions through the body.

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.