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.

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Etymology

Origin of gender expression

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“After the dictator fell, gender expression should have been the natural extension of that kind of freedom. But there’s a kind of retaliation happening,” Zaalan shared.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

“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

About one in five trans and nonbinary people who had looked for housing in the last five years believed they had been rejected because of their gender expression.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024

The amendment’s wording would prohibit the state from discriminating against anyone on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability or sex — including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 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