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 These are makeup products that can be used out of necessity to prevent lipsticks from bleeding or creasing in the edges of our pout or for self-expression and creating a fun and personalized look. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Her content has certainly acted as a crucial reminder that fashion is meant to be a form of self-expression. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024 At a retrospective of John Singer Sargent’s portraits in London, where the American expatriate fled after creating a scandal in Paris, clothes offer both armor and self-expression. Nina Siegal, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 They’re helmed by people who value experimentation and self-expression over strict ideas about what does and doesn’t belong in a scone, a concha, or any number of classic pastries. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 13 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, the flamboyant looks of Little Richard and the eclectic glam of Prince represent unapologetic self-expression. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Mar. 2024 Departing momentarily from the familiar jazz stylings of the band Mr. Miss, Liu Lian ventures into the realm of self-expression as a solo artist, unveiling a profound understanding of self-love through forays into new musical genres like dream pop. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Flamingo Camp strikes me as the most chill, put together encampment in Slab City, a site that focuses less on individual anarchic self-expression than a communal, co-op living situation in an area that’s basically off the grid. Jonah Gercke, SPIN, 15 Mar. 2024 Carbone said she was encouraged to support A.’s self-expression around gender. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-expression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near self-expression

Cite this Entry

“Self-expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-expression. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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