express

American  

[ik-spres] / ɪkˈsprɛs /

verb (used with object)

expresses, present (3rd person singular) expressed, past participle, past expressing present participle

1. to put (thought) into words; utter or state.

   to express an idea clearly.

   Synonyms:

   formulate, word, declare

2. to show, manifest, or reveal.

   to express one's anger.

   Synonyms:

   indicate

   Antonyms:

   conceal

3. to set forth the opinions, feelings, etc., of (oneself ), as in speaking, writing, or painting.

   He can express himself eloquently.

4. to represent by a symbol, character, figure, or formula.

   to express water as H2O; to express unknown quantities algebraically.

   Synonyms:

   denote, signify, designate

5. to send by express.

   to express a package or merchandise.

6. to press or squeeze out.

   to express the juice of grapes.

7. to exude or emit (a liquid, odor, etc.), as if under pressure.

   The roses expressed a sweet perfume.

8. Genetics. (of a gene) to be active in the production of (a protein or a phenotype).

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adjective

1. clearly indicated; distinctly stated; definite; explicit; plain.

   He defied my express command.

   Synonyms:

   unambiguous, obvious

2. special; definite.

   We have an express purpose in being here.

   Synonyms:

   singular, particular

3. direct or fast, especially making few or no intermediate stops.

   an express train;

   an express elevator.

   Synonyms:

   swift, nonstop, rapid

4. used for direct or high-speed travel.

   an express highway.

5. duly or exactly formed or represented.

   an express image.

   Synonyms:

   precise, accurate

6. pertaining to an express.

   an express agency.

noun

expresses plural

1. an express train, bus, elevator, etc.

2. 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

3. a company engaged in this business.

4. British. a messenger or a message specially sent.

5. something sent by express.

adverb

1. by express.

   to travel express.

2. Obsolete. expressly.

express British  

/ ɪkˈsprɛs /

verb

1. to transform (ideas) into words; utter; verbalize

2. to show or reveal; indicate

   tears express grief

3. to communicate (emotion, etc) without words, as through music, painting, etc

4. to indicate through a symbol, formula, etc

5. to force or squeeze out

   to express the juice from an orange

6. to send by rapid transport or special messenger

7. to communicate one's thoughts or ideas

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adjective

1. clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated

   an express wish

2. done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular

   an express purpose

3. of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc

   express delivery

   an express depot

noun

1. 1. a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc, rapidly

   2. merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system

   3. an enterprise operating such a system

2. Also called: express train.  a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini

3. See express rifle

adverb

1. by means of a special delivery or express delivery

   it went express

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• expresser
  noun
• expressor
  noun
• superexpress
  noun
• expressible
  adjective
• expressless
  adjective
• quasi-expressed
  adjective
• unexpressible
  adjective
• well-expressed
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• expresses
  plural

Participles

• expressing
  present
• expressed
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• express
  simple
• expresses
  simple
• have expressed
  perfect
• has expressed
  perfect
• am expressing
  progressive
• are expressing
  progressive
• is expressing
  progressive
• have been expressing
  perfect progressive
• has been expressing
  perfect progressive

Past

• expressed
  simple
• had expressed
  perfect
• was expressing
  progressive
• were expressing
  progressive
• had been expressing
  perfect progressive

Future

• will express
  simple
• will have expressed
  perfect
• will be expressing
  progressive
• will have been expressing
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of express

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English expressen, from Latin expressus “pressed out,” past participle of exprimere “to press out”; see ex- ¹ ( def. ), press ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

When something goes fast, it goes express — like a train that skips many stops. You also express your feelings and thoughts. When you want something sent quickly, send it by express mail. When you give your opinion, you're expressing yourself. Writing music and poems are also examples of expressing yourself. Mathematical formulas express complex ideas. In genetics, a gene might be expressed by making you bald.

Example Sentences

“Evolving standards of decency,” Kennedy continued, “must embrace and express respect for the dignity of the person, and the punishment of criminals must conform to that rule.”

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

Fans roared their approval for the Mexican national team, which took a lap of honor after the match, as the crowd sang “El Rey” and other songs to express their love for their team.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

Critics, including the ACLU, express concerns about Axon’s AI products, citing potential for hallucinations and expanded surveillance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

Some passengers have taken to social media to express their frustration, with one saying her daughter had been stuck on an Easyjet plane at Gatwick for four hours before it was cancelled.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026

Instead, children express themselves through movement, sound, and art.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• assert
• communicate
• convey
• declare
• disclose
• give
• hint
• indicate
• put
• reveal
• say
• show
• speak
• suggest
• tell
• voice