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.
D’Arcy said these creators have built loyal communities that value individuality and self-expression, which aligns with True Religion. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 15 July 2026 Your 5th House of Creativity wakes as the Moon conjoins Uranus there, so modest risks may unlock self-expression, fun, and fresh confidence. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026 Venus in your sign forms a supportive trine to Chiron in your 9th House of Travel and Learning, helping self-expression meet growth with more ease. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026 As Venus and Chiron harmonize, self-awareness is a gateway to self-expression. — Usa Today, USA Today, 10 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

self-expression

noun
self-ex·​pres·​sion
ˌsel-fik-ˈspresh-ən
: the expression of one's own personality

More from Merriam-Webster on self-expression

Nglish: Translation of self-expression for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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

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

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17
See More

Popular

See More

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
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
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All