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self-expression

American  
[self-ik-spresh-uhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf ɪkˈsprɛʃ ən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

  1. the expression or assertion of one's own personality, as in conversation, behavior, poetry, or painting.


self-expression British  

noun

  1. the expression of one's own personality, feelings, etc, as in painting, poetry, or other creative activity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of self-expression

First recorded in 1890–95

Vocabulary lists containing self-expression

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like all personal collections, Monroe’s was a form of self-expression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

"She understood first-hand the value of self-expression, diversity, and inclusion. And she worked tirelessly to ensure that Gap Inc. always did more than sell clothes."

From BBC • May 5, 2026

“Now a lot of people want self-expression out of drag. They want to portray their own artistic talent through drag, rather than just emulating someone.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

It is that fandom, companionship, self-expression, and immersive experiences are becoming more formalized parts of the consumption story.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

The song tells the story of an anonymous rebel living in the year 2112, a time when creativity and self-expression have been outlawed.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

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