express

adjective ex·press \ ik-ˈspres \

Updated on: 8 Dec 2017

Definition of express

1 a : directly, firmly, and explicitly stated

my express orders

b : exact, precise

2 a : designed for or adapted to its purpose

b : of a particular sort : specific

for that express purpose

3 a : traveling at high speed; specifically : traveling with few or no stops along the way

express train

b : designed or intended to be used for fast movement or travel

an express highway with few local exits

the express lane at the supermarket

c (1) : delivered faster than usual

an express shipment

(2) British : designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger

See express defined for English-language learners

See express defined for kids

Examples of express in a Sentence

the express lane at the grocery store
a trip to the supermarket with the express purpose of buying milk

Recent Examples of express from the Web

Polished offers a slew of salon services, including express manicures, pedicures, waxing/hair removals and facials.

— katherine peralta, charlotteobserver, "New shops opening soon at south Charlotte shopping complex," 1 Nov. 2017
Usually, an express kidnapping entails about 48 hours in captivity before the victim is ransomed back to their family for $5,000-$10,000.

— christian borys, Longreads, "You Can See the Battle Scars," 28 Sep. 2017
So where better to have a futuristic laser and light express facial than in the mock-Tudor building constructed from the timber of two Georgian Navy battleships?

— rachel marlowe, Vogue, "5 New Facials to Try During London Fashion Week," 15 Sep. 2017
Roger Goodell thinks he’s Son of Churchill, but Winston would scoff. … Business-savvy billionaires who are NFL bosses express surprise by the apathetic, sophomoric disaster going on in Carson?

— nick canepa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Time-challenged NFL coaches need to take stock of the clock," 23 Sep. 2017
On a stretch of the right bank opposite the Eiffel Tower formerly used as a convenient express route, cars have been squeezed into a single lane, leaving the other to bicycles.

— The Economist, "Driverless Paris?Bicycles and bans are reshaping the city," 14 Sep. 2017
In other words, its true purpose was express hostility to the Muslim faith, not to protect American national security.

— david french, National Review, "Once Again, Judges Defy the Law to Defy Trump," 18 Oct. 2017
The express bus will debut Sunday, covering about 10 miles between Frankford Transportation Center and the Neshaminy Mall.

— jason laughlin, Philly.com, "From 80 stops to 8: Express SEPTA bus to debut on Roosevelt Blvd.," 17 Oct. 2017
The Transurban deal with Virginia essentially makes private money available for additional road capacity — the express lanes on the Capital Beltway were built from scratch.

— neil irwin, New York Times, "Why Surge Prices Make Us So Mad: What Springsteen, Home Depot and a Nobel Winner Know," 14 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'express.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of express

Middle English, from Anglo-French expres, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere to press out, express, from ex- + premere to press — more at press

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

express Synonyms

Synonyms

concrete, distinct, especial, peculiar, precise, set, special, specific

Antonyms

nonspecific

Related Words

lone, only, separate, single, sole, solitary; distinctive, exclusive, individual, unique; limited, restricted; differentiated, specialized; given, specified

Near Antonyms

general, generalized, generic, nonexclusive, universal

Synonym Discussion of express

explicit, definite, express, specific mean perfectly clear in meaning. explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

- explicit instructions

definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

- the law is definite in such cases

express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

- her express wishes

specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

- two specific criticisms

Other Railroad Terms

cowcatcher, cupola, gauge, vestibule, yard

express

adverb

Definition of express

1 obsolete : expressly

2 : by express

delivered express

See express defined for English-language learners

Examples of express in a Sentence

They sent the package express.

Recent Examples of express from the Web

EXPRESS-BUS SOLUTION Why the Metro Gold Line is not the solution to traffic congestion in St. Paul: Congestion is primarily during rush hour and thus the solution must address commuters during typical business hours.

— letter writers, Twin Cities, "Letter: Gold Line won’t solve congestion in St. Paul," 15 June 2017

First Known Use of express

14th century

express

noun

Definition of express

1 a British : a messenger sent on a special errand

b British : a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger

c (1) : a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges

(2) : a company operating such a merchandise freight service

d British : special delivery

2 : an express vehicle

See express defined for English-language learners

Examples of express in a Sentence

He sent the package to us by express.
He takes the express to work.

Recent Examples of express from the Web

For a fraction of the cost to operate and build a train, CATS could have a fleet of express buses carry commuters back and forth from uptown – with a similar or faster travel time to a train.

— steve harrison, charlotteobserver, "How would you like to get from uptown to Lake Norman: Rail or bus?," 27 Oct. 2017
The list also withdrew $70,000 allocated annually for the Fort Bend TREK express, the city's Park and Ride Service operated by county officials.

— kristi nix, Houston Chronicle, "Sugar Land City Council approves $1.6 million budget cut," 23 Oct. 2017
Track 2 served downtown express trains, which bypassed the station.

— keith williams, New York Times, "Midtown’s Mysterious Unused Shuttle Track," 1 Nov. 2017
The plants ship express, Monday through Wednesday, and are only available for delivery within the continental United States, according to the site.

— teryn payne, Teen Vogue, "Urban Outfitters Will Sell Live Plants Online," 2 Oct. 2017
Thirty minutes after my plane landed in Zurich, I was comfortably seated on an express train headed to my first destination, the town of Vevey, a trip of just under two hours.

— joanne dibona, Philly.com, "Lake Geneva is a Swiss paradise," 15 Sep. 2017
Detroit Blows, the city’s first non-toxic blowdry salon, recently opened in downtown that features blowouts and beauty services like express manicures and pedicures.

— frank witsil, Detroit Free Press, "Trendy women's hair salon giving new meaning to Detroit Blows," 5 Nov. 2017
There will also be the opportunity to register for a raffle giveaway of three Aveda Face Treatment Masques and three certificates for a glow express facial.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Get your Halloween makeup done by professionals - and look 'bootiful'," 25 Oct. 2017
Looks like the @JayTrain23 runs express on Sundays.

— adam h. beasley, miamiherald, "How do Dolphins players feel about Jay Ajayi? Just check their Twitter feeds after Ajayi’s TD," 5 Nov. 2017

First Known Use of express

1619

express Synonyms

Synonyms

courier, messenger [British], go-between, page, runner

Related Words

forerunner, harbinger, herald; agent, ambassador, delegate, deputy, emissary, envoy, representative; bearer, carrier, deliveryman, letter carrier, mail carrier, mailman

express

verb

Definition of express

transitive verb

1 a : delineate, depict

b : to represent in words : state

c : to give or convey a true impression of : show, reflect

d : to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself)

e : to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself)

f : to represent by a sign or symbol : symbolize

2 a : to force out (something, such as the juice of a fruit) by pressure

b : to subject to pressure so as to extract something

3 : to send by express

4 : to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype; also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process

—

expresser

noun

—

expressible

play \ik-ˈspre-sə-bəl\ adjective

See express defined for English-language learners

Examples of express in a Sentence

He expressed an interest in meeting her.
She expressed surprise at his rude behavior.
The results can be expressed as a percentage.
The length, expressed in centimeters, is 29.
They expressed the package to us.

Recent Examples of express from the Web

Was initially crossed off the list of candidates due to his NCAA show cause, but reemerged after his agent reached out to the Gators to express interest.

— nick cole, ajc, "Gators search unmasked: Long-time Florida insider dishes on Dan Mullen, Chip Kelly, Mike Gundy," 3 Dec. 2017
The Harlem rapper also took the time to express his status in the music industry.

— mark elibert, Billboard, "The Diplomats Reunite to Takeover NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom for Spotify's Rap Caviar Live Showcase," 22 Nov. 2017
In a series of tweets on Friday, Trump expressed his upset for not being privy to what's going on with the investigation and deflected to —once again— his former running mate Hillary Clinton.

— Essence.com, "Your Racism Is Showing: Donald Trump Is Calling Elizabeth Warren 'Pocahontas' Again And Nobody Seems To Care," 3 Nov. 2017
The legislation released Thursday allows deductions of state and local property taxes, up to $10,000, and lawmakers from high tax areas have continued to express concerns.

— john mccormick, Bloomberg.com, "Lewandowski Stars in Pro-Trump Ad Blitz Backing GOP Tax Plan," 3 Nov. 2017
Second, legislators tend to express appreciation for bipartisanship when deciding to retire.

— michael k. romano, Washington Post, "When members of Congress announce their retirement, this is how they change," 3 Nov. 2017
Amid mounting criticism, Democrat Randy Bryce took to Twitter late Monday to express regret and delete a controversial tweet on Ivanka Trump.

— bill glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Democrat Randy Bryce expresses regret, deletes controversial tweet on Ivanka Trump," 30 Oct. 2017
Kelly later expressed her commitment to not talking politics on her new NBC show—or even, as Meyers suggested, making scones with Anthony Weiner.

— laura bradley, HWD, "Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson Get Candid on Late Night—Sort Of," 26 Oct. 2017
In a major scene, Ellis’ Beethoven expresses his passion for the Diabelli Variations, with pianist Shookman joining him.

— mary johnson, baltimoresun.com, "Colonial Players spans time and tribulation in pursuit of '33 Variations'," 25 Oct. 2017

Origin and Etymology of express

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French espresser, from expres, adjective

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

express Synonyms

Synonyms

air, expound, give, look, raise, sound, state, vent, ventilate, voice, give air to, put forth

Antonyms

stifle, suppress

Related Words

advertise, announce, declare, enounce, enunciate, proclaim, say; broadcast, circulate, disseminate, publish; describe, write, write up; sound off, speak out, speak up; chime in; communicate, convey, put across, put over; offer, submit

Near Antonyms

censor, restrain, restrict

Synonym Discussion of express

express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels. express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

- expressed her feelings in music

vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

- a tirade venting his frustration

utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

- utter a groan

voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

- an editorial voicing their concerns

broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

- broached the subject of a divorce

air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

- publicly airing their differences

EXPRESS Defined for English Language Learners

express

adjective

Definition of express for English Language Learners

: said or given in a clear way
: of a particular kind
: traveling at high speed with few stops

express

adverb

Definition of express for English Language Learners

: by a system that delivers letters and packages quickly : by express

express

noun

Definition of express for English Language Learners

: a system for delivering things (such as letters and packages) quickly
: a train or bus that travels quickly with few stops

express

verb

Definition of express for English Language Learners

: to talk or write about (something that you are thinking or feeling)
: to make (your thoughts and feelings) known by doing something other than talking or writing
: to show (an amount, quantity, etc.) by a sign or a symbol

EXPRESS Defined for Kids

express

verb ex·press \ ik-ˈspres \

Definition of express for Students

expressed; expressing

1 : to make known especially in words

I expressed my surprise.

2 : to represent by a sign or symbol

The amount was expressed as a percentage.

3 : to send by a quick method of delivery

express

adjective

Definition of express for Students

1 : clearly stated

an express order

2 : of a certain sort

I came for an express purpose.

3 : sent or traveling at high speed

express mail

express

verb

Definition of express for Students

1 : a system for the quick transportation of goods

Send your package by express.

2 : a vehicle (as a train or elevator) run at special speed with few or no stops

Medical Dictionary

express

transitive verb ex·press \ ik-ˈspres, ek- \

medical Definition of express

1 : to make known or exhibit by an expression

2 a : to force out by pressure

express breast milk manually or by electric pump

b : to subject to pressure so as to extract something

some pumps express one breast at a time
—Paula Lynn Parks

3 : to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype

a gene selectively expressed in lung tumors

; also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic process

individuals with the gene express symptoms of the disease

differentially expressed proteins

Law Dictionary

express

adjective ex·press

legal Definition of express

: directly and distinctly stated or expressed rather than implied or left to inference — compare implied

express

transitive verb

legal Definition of express

: to make known (one's thoughts, ideas, or opinions) by words, conduct, or symbols — see also expression

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express

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express

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