Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for self-expression. Search instead for slang expression.

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.


self-expression British  

noun

  1. the expression of one's own personality, feelings, etc, as in painting, poetry, or other creative activity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of self-expression

First recorded in 1890–95

Vocabulary lists containing self-expression

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:

Her friend, creative director Dana Sidell, says self-expression is central to how Weger lives her life.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 27, 2026

In Ms. Desai’s hands, painting is many things: a source of escape and self-expression for the artist; a portal to memories both true and merely desired; and a way to bear witness to larger histories.

From The Wall Street Journal May 28, 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

They could not consider the human scalp an appropriate palette for self-expression, could not own a rainbow-striped flag, and could not say they had "discovered" any shop or restaurant currently listed in the phone book.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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