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.
With the rising popularity of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates self-determination and has ruled Taiwan since 2016, Beijing has grown more concerned about the island’s slow political drift. Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 19 June 2025 The freed choose mortal struggle through self-determination, and in boardrooms, classrooms, and ballot boxes, that same choice presents itself. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 And to be clear, Zionism is simply advocating for the self-determination and statehood of the Jewish people in their historical homeland of Israel — something 90% of Americans support. Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 The streaming giant is partnering with Jungle Entertainment on the period drama, which marks a fresh take on Franklin’s 1901 coming-of-age tale that captured the aspirations of young Australian women seeking independence and self-determination. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 30 Jun. 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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