self-identification

noun

self-iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌself-ī-ˌden-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce self-identification (audio)
: identification with someone or something outside oneself

Examples of self-identification 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.
In a decade, Scheiber suggests, the shift in class self-identification may be nearly complete. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026 But its parliament has just passed controversial amendments to such laws, which remove the right to self-identification and narrow the definition of ‘transgender’. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026 This bill would dismantle women’s rights, making men and women indistinguishable, except by self-identification. — Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026 Love Island had shifted what had previously been an unshakable self-identification and stumbled into comic profundity. — Anna Peele, Vulture, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-identification

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-identification was in 1829

Rhymes for self-identification

See All Rhymes for self-identification

Browse Nearby Words

self-identical
self-identification
self-identify
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-identification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-identification. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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