express Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system
    express mail.
  2. noun public transport consisting of a fast train or bus that makes only a few scheduled stops
    limited.
    • he caught the express to New York
  3. noun rapid transport of goods
    expressage.
  4. verb give expression to
    evince; show.
    • She showed her disappointment
  5. verb articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
    give tongue to; utter; verbalise; verbalize.
    • She expressed her anger
    • He uttered a curse
  6. verb serve as a means for expressing something
    carry; convey.
    • The painting of Mary carries motherly love
    • His voice carried a lot of anger
  7. verb indicate through a symbol, formula, etc.
    state.
    • Can you express this distance in kilometers?
  8. verb manifest the effects of (a gene or genetic trait)
    • Many of the laboratory animals express the trait
  9. verb obtain from a substance, as by mechanical action
    extract; press out.
    • Italians express coffee rather than filter it
  10. verb send by rapid transport or special messenger service
    • She expressed the letter to Florida
  11. adjective satellite not tacit or implied
    • her express wish
  12. adjective satellite without unnecessary stops
    • an express train
    • an express shipment
  13. adverb by express
    • please send the letter express

WordNet

Ex*press" adjective
Etymology
F. exprès, L. expressus, p.p. of exprimere to express; ex. out + premere To press. See Press.
Definitions
  1. Exactly representing; exact.
    Their human countenance The express resemblance of the gods. Milton.
  2. Directly and distinctly stated; declared in terms; not implied or left to inference; made unambiguous by intention and care; clear; not dubious; as, express consent; an express statement.
    I have express commandment. Shak.
  3. Intended for a particular purpose; relating to an express; sent on a particular errand; dispatched with special speed; as, an express messenger or train. Also used adverbially.
    A messenger sent express from the other world. Atterbury.
    Syn. -- Explicit; clear; unambiguous. See Explicit.
Ex*press" noun
Etymology
Cf. F. exprès a messenger.
Definitions
  1. A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration. Obs.
    The only remanent express of Christ's sacrifice on earth. Jer. Taylor.
  2. A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels; also, a railway train for transporting passengers or goods with speed and punctuality.
  3. An express office.
    She charged him . . . to ask at the express if anything came up from town. E. E. Hale.
  4. That which is sent by an express messenger or message. Obs. Eikon Basilike.
Ex*press" transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. OF. espresser, expresser, L. exprimere, expressum. See Express,a.; cf. Sprain.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Expressed; present participle & verbal noun Expressing
Definitions
  1. To press or squeeze out; as, to express the juice of grapes, or of apples; hence, to extort; to elicit.
    All the fruits out of which drink is expressed. Bacon.
    And th'idle breath all utterly expressed. Spenser.
    Halters and racks can not express from thee More than by deeds. B. Jonson.
  2. To make or offer a representation of; to show by a copy or likeness; to represent; to resemble.
    Each skillful artist shall express thy form. E. Smith.
    So kids and whelps their sires and dams express. Dryden.
  3. To give a true impression of; to represent and make known; to manifest plainly; to show in general; to exhibit, as an opinion or feeling, by a look, gesture, and esp. by language; to declare; to utter; to tell.
    My words express my purpose. Shak.
    They expressed in their lives those excellent doctrines of morality. Addison.
  4. To make known the opinions or feelings of; to declare what is in the mind of; to show (one's self); to cause to appear; -- used reflexively.
    Mr. Phillips did express with much indignation against me, one evening. Pope.
  5. To denote; to designate.
    Moses and Aaron took these men, which are expressed by their names. Num. i. 17.
  6. To send by express messenger; to forward by special opportunity, or through the medium of an express; as, to express a package. Syn. -- To declare; utter; signify; testify; intimate.

Webster 1913