self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-determination (audio)
1
: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion
2
: determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

Examples of self-determination in a Sentence

the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination
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.
Her mother, a classical pianist turned educator, instilled an unshakable creative drive, while her grandmother—a St. Vincent dressmaker and real estate entrepreneur—modeled self-determination. Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Though Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom today, the treaty secured the main goal of the 1798 rebellion: equal rights and self-determination for all citizens, no matter their religion. Joseph Patrick Kelly, The Conversation, 20 May 2025 The issue of identity is not just a fad but becomes a fact of self-determination — in this context, Dahomey’s flaws are instructive for this moment when race and gender exploitation runs rampant and unchecked. Armond White, National Review, 16 May 2025 In silvery grays and greens, with uneven salt drips and textured glazes that resemble the moon’s surface or, sometimes, an orange peel, Wilson wares are coveted both as objets d’art and for their extraordinary story of Black self-determination in the postwar South. Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-determination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-determination was circa 1670

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-determination

noun
self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion
ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
1
: free choice of one's own acts without outside pressure
2
: the deciding by the people of a place of the form of government they will have

More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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