self-expression

noun

self-ex·​pres·​sion ˌself-ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce self-expression (audio)
: the expression of one's own personality : assertion of one's individual traits
self-expressive
ˌself-ik-ˈspre-siv How to pronounce self-expression (audio)
adjective

Examples of self-expression in a Sentence

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.
Decorating Your Way Younger generations are turning holiday décor into a form of self-expression, Michaels found. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 Oct. 2026 Independent film — the epitome of our freedom of speech and self-expression — should not be controlled by politicians. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026 The festival emphasizes communal effort, self-reliance and self-expression, according to the organization. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 With the help of literature and creative writing, the nonprofit fosters a space for connection, self-expression and imagining a life beyond incarceration. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-expression

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-expression was in 1892

Rhymes for self-expression

See All Rhymes for self-expression

Browse Nearby Words

self-exploration
self-expression
self-expressive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-expression. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

self-expression

noun
self-ex·​pres·​sion
ˌsel-fik-ˈspresh-ən
: the expression of one's own personality
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Pyrrhic

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
couple-laugh-cafe
Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
See All