body language

noun

Synonyms of body languagenext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Efforts to integrate these cameras with software that would provide real-time automatic threat assessments to officers (by analyzing the body language of whomever police are interacting with) have gone nowhere. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026 Claudio Hail As sighted creatures, humans have always used light for communication through body language, writing, smoke signals, and more. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026 The tone in both of their voices and the body language suggests that Groening may have just revealed something he wasn’t supposed to. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 15 Aug. 2026 Started to see a few more additive things with body language or going out on his own. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for body language

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for body language

See All Rhymes for body language

Browse Nearby Words

bodykins
body language
bodyless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Body language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/body%20language. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for body language

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