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

"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

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

Instead, it aims to be a company that encourages consumers’ self-expression, a goal that was informed by those Gen Z interviews, according to Silverstein.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Though I had never had any assignments from a college professor, I had made much harder and more prolonged attempts at self-expression than any of them.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright