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

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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

At campaign events, supporters — some of them wearing T-shirts bearing his image — queued at length for a selfie and a few words with the candidate. — Geir Moulson, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Waiters circulated with non-alcoholic champagne and canapés; a group of American tourists tried to get the moon in their selfies. — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

But all hell broke loose when the Gallaghers descended into the crowd to sign autographs, turning the theater into a mild mosh pit as fans jockeyed for a selfie or signature. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Take some selfies and share them with the world—just don’t forget there’s a tennis match going on. — Corey Seymour, Vogue, 4 Sep. 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