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

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

Unlike Sierra, Raducanu is not a natural clay-courter and her body language quickly turned sour on a surface where she lacks belief.

From BBC • May 24, 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

He wrote The Human Zoo and Intimate Behaviour, in Malta, and then became fascinated by the expressive body language of the people of the Mediterranean.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

“We learn to read body language so we know when someone is lying or keeping something from us.”

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• gesture