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.

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self-expression British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• self-expressive adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-expression

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

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

"The government hopes that this collective embrace of Fugu will strengthen national unity, stimulate the creative economy, and serve as a powerful symbol of Ghana's cultural confidence and self-expression," the minister added.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

“Anecdotally, people are kind of bored by the clean, no-frills makeup look” and are into more creative, bolder looks as a means of self-expression, she said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

The aesthetic—defined by color, self-expression and a kind of accessible euphoria—reflects a generational move toward communities built through presence rather than platforms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

They could not consider the human scalp an appropriate palette for self-expression, could not own a rainbow-striped flag, and could not say they had "discovered" any shop or restaurant currently listed in the phone book.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris