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

“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

"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

True punk, as in the music genre, teaches us about camaraderie and self-expression that challenges the status quo.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2025

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