self-identify

verb

self-iden·​ti·​fy ˌself-ī-ˈden-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce self-identify (audio)
-ə-ˈden-
self-identified; self-identifying; self-identifies

intransitive

: identify sense intransitive 2

Examples of self-identify 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.
They may also be required to ban users flagged as potentially violent by forcing them to self-identify and to stop telling those users how to open new accounts despite bans. — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2026 The climbers self-identified on social media as Russian couple Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Traditional EAPs were built for a workforce that was visible, co-located and likely to self-identify. — Stephen Sokoler, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 While Rihanna provides endless fodder for self-identifying maximalists, Hailey Bieber’s wardrobe is catnip for those with more subtle tastes. — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-identify

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-identify was in 1969

Rhymes for self-identify

See All Rhymes for self-identify

Browse Nearby Words

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

Cite this Entry

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

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