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gender expression

American  
[jen-der ik-spresh-uhn] / ˈdʒɛn dər ɪkˈsprɛʃ ən /

noun

  1. the way a person externally performs or signifies their gender identity, especially through habits of dressing, grooming, behaving, speaking, etc.


Etymology

Origin of gender expression

First recorded in 1970–75

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.

California education code “ensures equal rights and opportunities for every student” and “prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

“California law is unaffected by recent changes to federal policy and continues to provide safeguards against discrimination and harassment based on gender, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation,” he wrote in a statement.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2025

The proposed amendment would add ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy to the list.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2024

Students whose gender expression does not present as obviously male or female get questioned by other students, McAfee added, according to The Times.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2024

At the same time, he noted, the code does prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity and religion.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2023

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