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
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.
The name in itself is fairly self-explanatory — huggies are small hoop earrings that wrap snugly around the earlobe. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 On one hand, the term is pretty self-explanatory. Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Oct. 2025 In 1987, eight years before Rowland’s Nobel, countries around the world agreed to form the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, a self-explanatory international treaty that ends the use of the chemicals that eat ozone. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025 Also in the mix is CarMax, which will serve as the title sponsor of the self-explanatory NBA on Prime Pregame, while Wayfair will provide the matching bookend at the end of the night with its NBA Nightcap deal. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-explanatory. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-explanatory

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

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