self-explanatory

adjective

self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ˌself-ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce self-explanatory (audio)
: explaining itself : capable of being understood without explanation

Examples of self-explanatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pretty self-explanatory, hot Pilates is a form of Pilates that takes place in an infrared heated studio to boost whatever your fitness goals are. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2024 Behind that self-explanatory name are some 2,000 books and magazines that are the bedrock for Yagi’s own work. Lily Templeton, WWD, 16 Sep. 2024 This one is rather self-explanatory: in 1916, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company sent Paul W. Litchfield to Arizona from Ohio to purchase land for cotton. Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2024 The term, coined by stylist Allison Bornstein, is used to describe the self-explanatory incongruous styling hack employed by the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Ashley Olsen, and Katie Holmes. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-explanatory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-explanatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-explanatory was in 1737

Dictionary Entries Near self-explanatory

Cite this Entry

“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-explanatory. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-explanatory

adjective
self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry
ˌsel-fik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē,
-ˌtȯr-
: understandable without explanation

More from Merriam-Webster on self-explanatory

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