express
Americanverb (used with object)
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to put (thought) into words; utter or state.
to express an idea clearly.
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to show, manifest, or reveal.
to express one's anger.
- Synonyms:
- indicate
- Antonyms:
- conceal
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to set forth the opinions, feelings, etc., of (oneself ), as in speaking, writing, or painting.
He can express himself eloquently.
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to represent by a symbol, character, figure, or formula.
to express water as H2O; to express unknown quantities algebraically.
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to send by express.
to express a package or merchandise.
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to press or squeeze out.
to express the juice of grapes.
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to exude or emit (a liquid, odor, etc.), as if under pressure.
The roses expressed a sweet perfume.
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Genetics. (of a gene) to be active in the production of (a protein or a phenotype).
adjective
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clearly indicated; distinctly stated; definite; explicit; plain.
He defied my express command.
- Synonyms:
- unambiguous, obvious
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special; definite.
We have an express purpose in being here.
- Synonyms:
- singular, particular
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direct or fast, especially making few or no intermediate stops.
an express train;
an express elevator.
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used for direct or high-speed travel.
an express highway.
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duly or exactly formed or represented.
an express image.
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pertaining to an express.
an express agency.
noun
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an express train, bus, elevator, etc.
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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
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a company engaged in this business.
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British. a messenger or a message specially sent.
-
something sent by express.
adverb
-
by express.
to travel express.
-
Obsolete. expressly.
verb
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to transform (ideas) into words; utter; verbalize
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to show or reveal; indicate
tears express grief
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to communicate (emotion, etc) without words, as through music, painting, etc
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to indicate through a symbol, formula, etc
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to force or squeeze out
to express the juice from an orange
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to send by rapid transport or special messenger
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to communicate one's thoughts or ideas
adjective
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clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated
an express wish
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done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular
an express purpose
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of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc
express delivery
an express depot
noun
-
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a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc, rapidly
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merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system
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an enterprise operating such a system
-
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Also called: express train. a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini
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See express rifle
adverb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing express
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 3
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STAAR English I: The Language of the Test 1
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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.
Days after the war began, Iran shut the narrow waterway - the only way out of the Gulf - and refused to let anyone through without its express permission.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
Hunters pay big money to enter the grounds, but they are given express instructions to focus on deer and partridge, and leave the felines well alone.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
He told MSPs: "If Mr Findlay had a shred of decency about him, he would express his respect for the judicial system in Scotland."
From BBC • May 28, 2026
“These subscription plans offer richer ways to express and connect across our apps with more fun features to be added,” she said.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
I take my cue from Father and don’t express surprise at such a strange, unusual name.
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
