body language

noun

: the gestures, movements, and mannerisms by which a person or animal communicates with others

Examples of body language in a Sentence

We could tell from his body language that he was nervous.
Recent Examples on the Web Record yourself to evaluate your body language and tone, making adjustments as needed. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 Instead, maintain eye contact with the shark and read its body language. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2024 This is one key reason why gaining an understanding of how to use your body language effectively, and how to read the body language of others, can be a very helpful addition to your leadership toolkit. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Watch his body language; for as difficult as coming back from consecutive severe lower body injuries was, much of Thompson’s battle is mental at this point. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2024 But the head coach also took aim – more directly than at any point in the season, following a frustrating loss to Oregon in which bad body language was rampant. Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024 The looks on the faces and the body language of the players, the hushed, halting manner in which coach Geno Auriemma spoke, all of it has become too familiar for the UConn women’s basketball program. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2024 Another nearly wordless performance, Dever carries us through terrifying nights and days on the strength of her body language alone. Randee Dawn, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Capture the attention of your audience with welcoming body language, full focus, and powerful words. Ashley Stahl, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'body language.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of body language was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near body language

Cite this Entry

“Body language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/body%20language. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

body language

noun
: movements (as with the hands) or posture used as a means of expression

More from Merriam-Webster on body language

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