self-expression

noun

self-ex·​pres·​sion ˌself-ik-ˈspre-shən 

: the expression of one's own personality : assertion of one's individual traits

self-expressive

ˌself-ik-ˈspre-siv 

adjective

Examples of self-expression in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prikryl’s suspicion of easy self-expression leads her to try on other voices. — Langdon Hammer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Pacsun’s new Rare DNM Holiday Collection brings together fashion, self-expression and purpose. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

The film mixes archive footage from the 1980s, staged reconstructions and contemporary footage from rehearsals featuring young people for whom drag is more a form of self-expression than for the pioneers. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026

Recognizing everyone’s unique identities while highlighting their commonalities is the ethos of the annual series of events; and Billboard’s makeup partner, Maybelline New York, put an even bolder spotlight on self-expression. — Meghan Mahar, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-expression

• decompression
• dispossession
• indiscretion
• intercession
• introgression
• nonaggression
• prepossession
• recompression
• repossession
• retrocession
• retrogression
• supersession

Kids Definition

self-expression

noun

self-ex·​pres·​sion

ˌsel-fik-ˈspresh-ən

: the expression of one's own personality