Expressive language refers to the ways in which human beings use language to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Children’s expressive oral language skills are related to their overall language and literacy learning, their academic success, and their socioemotional development. Competence in expressive language has strong implications for children’s sense of self, as well as for their relationships with others. This entry provides an overview of expressive language, with an emphasis on issues related to its significance, the process of developing expressive language, and [Page 556]recommendations for practices that support expressive language in children.