selfie

noun

self·​ie ˈsel-fē How to pronounce selfie (audio)
: an image that includes oneself (often with another person or as part of a group) and is taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks

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What is the origin of selfie?

The first-known appearance of selfie in written form occurred in 2002 on an Australian news website, but the word didn't see much use until 2012. By November 2013, selfie was appearing frequently enough in print and electronic media that Oxford Dictionaries (publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary as well as other dictionaries) chose the word as its Word of the Year. This announcement itself led to a significant increase in the use of the word by news organizations, an increase that was further boosted following the December 2013 memorial service for Nelson Mandela, at which American President Barack Obama was caught taking a selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British Prime Minister David Cameron. The word selfie, with its suggestions of self-centeredness and self-involvement, was particularly popular with critics who saw this moment as a reflection of the President's character.

Examples of selfie 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.
Slide two of the post featured a sweet selfie captured by a smiling Prince Harry. Séraphine Roger, Glamour, 5 July 2025 The idea sprang from a selfie with Drake, in which the pair are seen grinning broadly. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 July 2025 Meghan shared a sweet selfie with Harry on Friday, July 4, offering a glimpse into a cherished tradition the couple has carried out every Independence Day since their second date. Sean Mandell, People.com, 4 July 2025 Abrams also shared a photo of herself dancing on Irish actor Paul Mescal’s shoulders over the weekend on her Instagram stories, followed by a selfie in a photo dump on her feed on July 2. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for selfie

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of selfie was in 2002

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Cite this Entry

“Selfie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selfie. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

selfie

noun
self·​ie
ˈsel-fē
plural selfies
: an image of oneself taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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