self-taught

adjective

ˈself-ˈtȯt How to pronounce self-taught (audio)
Synonyms of self-taughtnext
1
: having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction
a self-taught musician
2
: learned by oneself
self-taught knowledge

Synonyms of self-taught

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Examples of self-taught in a Sentence

the cellist's success is all the more remarkable because she is self-taught
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.
Ghasemipour is self-taught, which is why his pizza craft is so obsessive. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 June 2026 By and large, these students have been self-taught in AI, Cruzvergara says. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2026 Many of the teachers had no formal training, and some of them were local Black people who were self-taught. — Rodney Coates, The Conversation, 16 June 2026 Being self-taught pushed me to stay curious, think critically, and find practical solutions. — Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-taught

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-taught was in 1586

Rhymes for self-taught

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Browse Nearby Words

self-tapping screw
self-taught
self-therapy
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Cite this Entry

“Self-taught.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-taught. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-taught

adjective
ˈself-ˈtȯt
1
: having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction
a self-taught musician
2
: learned by oneself
self-taught knowledge

More from Merriam-Webster on self-taught

Nglish: Translation of self-taught for Spanish Speakers

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