selfie

noun

self·​ie ˈsel-fē 

: an image that includes oneself (often with another person or as part of a group) and is taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks

Did you know?

What is the origin of selfie?

The first-known appearance of selfie in written form occurred in 2002 on an Australian news website, but the word didn't see much use until 2012. By November 2013, selfie was appearing frequently enough in print and electronic media that Oxford Dictionaries (publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary as well as other dictionaries) chose the word as its Word of the Year. This announcement itself led to a significant increase in the use of the word by news organizations, an increase that was further boosted following the December 2013 memorial service for Nelson Mandela, at which American President Barack Obama was caught taking a selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British Prime Minister David Cameron. The word selfie, with its suggestions of self-centeredness and self-involvement, was particularly popular with critics who saw this moment as a reflection of the President's character.

Examples of selfie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After snapping several selfies with Wong-Young, Ramirez added that some of his favorite memories of the diner were of seeing Wong-Young grow up and help her parents with the restaurant. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Participating restaurants will celebrate National Whataburger Day with selfie stations, balloons and other festive touches to help customers join the fun, according to the chain. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

For the End of Summer Party, the Custom Framer will have a backdrop for people to snap selfies or photos. — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Wahlberg wrote in the caption of a selfie featuring Estes and his Boston Blue castmates shared to his Instagram Stories on Friday. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for selfie

• be
• bee
• bree
• cree
• fee
• flea
• flee
• free
• gee
• ghee
• glee
• he

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Kids Definition

selfie

noun

self·​ie

ˈsel-fē

plural selfies

: an image of oneself taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks