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express2

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsprɛs, ɛk-/

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Definition of express

adjective

operating at high speed, in particular.
(of a train or other form of public transport) making few intermediate stops and reaching its destination quickly:an express train bound for Innsbruck an express bus service an express elevator
denoting a service in which letters or packages are delivered by a special service to ensure speed or security:an express letter an express airmail service

adverb

by express train or delivery service:I got my wife to send my gloves express to the hotel

noun

1 (also express train) a train that stops at few stations and travels quickly: we embarked for the south of France on an overnight express

2a special delivery service:the books arrived by express

3an express rifle.

verb

[with object]

send by express messenger or delivery:I expressed my clothes to my destination

Origin:

early 18th century (as a verb): extension of express³; ²sense 1 of the noun from express train, so named because it served a particular destination without intermediate stops, reflecting an earlier sense of express 'done or made for a special purpose', later interpreted in the sense ‘rapid’. Senses relating to express delivery date from the institution of this postal service in 1891

express in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of express in the US English dictionary

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