self-taught
Americanadjective
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having become as specified by teaching oneself, without the aid of formal education.
She’s a self-taught photographer who sells her work online.
-
learned by oneself.
Particularly impressive is his self-taught mastery of the guitar.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of self-taught
First recorded in 1715–25
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.
"I wouldn't have the same ability in playing the correct shots. I'm just self-taught."
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
Across the gallery corridor was a mustard-yellow wall featuring works by Rivera, a Mexicali-born, self-taught photographer with a passion for silent film.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Otero Alcantara, a self-taught performance artist, sculptor and painter, rose to prominence in 2020 as leader of the San Isidro protest movement of artists and intellectuals.
From Barron's ● Jul. 18, 2026
Meanwhile, Duncan was becoming an effective, self-taught lobbyist at the state capitol.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026
A self-taught electrician, Tsalig was in high demand to install electricity in our neighbors' newly reconfigured cellars.
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
