Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

self-identification

American  
[self-ahy-den-tuh-fi-key-shuhn, -i-den-, self-] / ˈsɛlf aɪˌdɛn tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən, -ɪˌdɛn-, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

  1. identification of oneself with some other person or thing.


Etymology

Origin of self-identification

First recorded in 1950–55

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.

See Examples For:

Critics further argue that the new definition could exclude many transgender people, particularly those who rely on self-identification, including some trans men and women as well as non-binary and gender-fluid people.

From BBC Mar. 26, 2026

An alleged victim’s self-identification as such, Mr. Clayton told the judges, is all that is required for the department to conceal records on her behalf or remove records entirely.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 4, 2026

As in nondigital spaces, the motivation behind that self-identification can be born from a genuine desire to share and connect with others, or it can be ego-driven.

From Slate Sep. 10, 2025

"I started to learn what misogyny was, and I started to learn what patriarchy was," Schneider explained about her move from the religious right to her current self-identification as a moderate.

From Salon Oct. 21, 2024

Asians and Latin Americans generally had reached the level of self-identification necessary for statehood and national self-determination.

From Civilization and Beyond Learning from History by Nearing, Scott

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training