express

American  

[ik-spres] / ɪkˈsprɛs /

verb (used with object)

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

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

• expresser noun
• expressible adjective
• expressless adjective
• expressor noun
• overexpress verb (used with object)
• preexpress verb (used with object)
• quasi-expressed adjective
• reexpress verb (used with object)
• superexpress noun
• unexpressible adjective
• well-expressed adjective

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

This form of stress includes feelings of hopelessness and a tendency to absorb stressful experiences rather than express or resolve them.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Expectations for what emerges from the summit are low, with Ross saying officials in both countries express frustration at the lack of higher-level discussions hammering out goals for the summit.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Gianna Lutz, who lives outside Greenville, S.C., said that Van Dyke contacted her last year on Facebook to express romantic interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

This is because our institutions do not believe women when they express legitimate fear, and the consequences are catastrophic.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

Jake and Emma caught an express bus downtown.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

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