self-government
Americannoun
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control of the government of a state, community, or other body by its own members; democratic government.
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the condition of being self-governed.
noun
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the government of a country, nation, etc, by its own people
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the state of being self-controlled
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an archaic term for self-control
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-government
First recorded in 1725–35
Vocabulary lists containing self-government
The American Revolution - Introductory
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The American Revolution - Middle School and High School
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History of India - Introductory
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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.
The New York Historical showcases the evolution of our nation’s hallmark idea of self-government in a thoughtful, if sometimes pessimistic, exhibition.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
This is already happening in Washington, where the Home Rule Act of 1973, which gave the city limited self-government, allows Congress oversight.
From Salon ● Mar. 26, 2026
They want their own right of self-determination and self-government in their Native nations.
From Slate ● Mar. 16, 2026
Their charitable giving supports a range of civic associations that train citizens in the skills and habits needed for self-government.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 17, 2026
The foundation of self-government was that all men were free to voice their opinions and equal in their value as citizens.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
