self-explanatory

adjective

self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ˌself-ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: explaining itself : capable of being understood without explanation

Examples of self-explanatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Buc-ee the Beaver, mascot for Buc-ee’s, is self-explanatory, as the gas station chain was founded in the Lone Star State 44 years ago. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026

Rule 7 - No mound visits allowed This one is self-explanatory — managers may not visit the mound at all to talk to the pitcher. — Idaho Statesman, 27 July 2026

Most of these tools are self-explanatory, such as delays, but some are a little harder to understand at a glance. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026

Hair loss is self-explanatory, while dryness results from damage to the outer layer of the cuticle, leading to moisture loss and hair that feels coarse and appears dull. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-explanatory

• adjudicatory
• anticipatory
• articulatory
• classificatory
• conciliatory
• congratulatory
• discriminatory
• ejaculatory
• emancipatory
• hallucinatory
• interlaboratory
• interrogatory

Kids Definition

self-explanatory

adjective

self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry

ˌsel-fik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē, 

-ˌtȯr-

: understandable without explanation