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Showing results for self-expression. Search instead for pre-expression.

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

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.

See Examples For:

Her friend, creative director Dana Sidell, says self-expression is central to how Weger lives her life.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 27, 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 film is also a deceptively heartwarming ode to self-expression, and the kind of life that can be cobbled together with an unyielding commitment to individuality.

From Salon Mar. 27, 2026

“That’s really when memory structures are being formed, when self-expression is being negotiated, and we found being relevant at that time is so important for being relevant for the rest of time,” Silverstein said.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 25, 2026

Izzy was an incredibly talented artist and treated fashion like another form of self-expression.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

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