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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
It's mostly inspired by mundane body language and games that young kids play together.
—
Chris Ritter, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2024
Sightings of large elephant herds, lions, and Cape buffalo—one of the most dangerous of all—are all possible and guides are trained to read both animal body language and tracks, always keeping the peloton at a safe viewing distance.
—
Cindy Fan, TIME, 25 July 2024
By designing a robotic motion system in which function and form share equal priority, Disney hopes to create robots that can operate extremely naturally around people, and that can build trust and connection solely through body language.
—
New Atlas, 22 July 2024
By looking at recordings of the canines’ reactions, Hobkirk identified nine emotions (such as anxiety, curiosity, happiness and surprise) and then tested how well they could be detected based on only facial-movement data, excluding barks and body language.
—
Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for body language ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-08-15--15-22-11-hrh2al/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
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
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 20 Aug. 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
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for body language
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