self-expression

noun

self-ex·​pres·​sion ˌself-ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce self-expression (audio)
: the expression of one's own personality : assertion of one's individual traits
self-expressive adjective

Examples of self-expression 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.
Posen said at the heart of the campaign is the idea of connection — between generations, between personal history and self-expression. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025 How has hair shaped your self-expression and representation as a Black woman? Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025 Politics is not about self-expression—there’s room for that. David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025 Floyd-Pruitt likened the concept of self-expression through puppetry to incarcerated individuals performing theater to process emotions in a 2024 interview with Harvard Magazine. Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-expression

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-expression was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Self-expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-expression. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-expression

noun
self-ex·​pres·​sion
ˌsel-fik-ˈspresh-ən
: the expression of one's own personality

More from Merriam-Webster on self-expression

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