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 and body language.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Sport, performance and culture, body language and even gestures are all used in the course and, until a few years ago, no language was taught at all.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Ask questions, get feedback, check for facial expressions and body language, etc.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• gesture