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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.

See Examples For:

Beefed-up body language, brutal action choreography and a soundtrack packed with needle drops do all the talking.

From Salon Aug. 22, 2026

Dogs normally interpret people using many signals at once, including facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and scent.

From Science Daily Aug. 11, 2026

Still, Bardella's body language at Wednesday's campaign event in the north-west was telling.

From BBC Jul. 10, 2026

Goalkeepers also look for clues in the kicker’s body language.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 7, 2026

I did not master the streets, because I could not read the body language quick enough.

From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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