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
Derived 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 aspiring writer was not as active in the Home Rule campaign, which sought to restore self-government to Ireland, as some of his friends from student years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 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
That isn’t the conduct of a movement preparing for responsible self-government.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025
The original six were motivated by the ambition to promote the Welsh language and its culture, as well as securing self-government for Wales.
From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025
The proper role of the League, Lawes believed, ought to be as a “moral force,” not an actual mechanism of self-government.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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.
