self-governed

adjective

self-gov·​erned ˌself-ˈgə-vərnd How to pronounce self-governed (audio)
1
: not influenced or controlled by others
2
: exercising self-control

Examples of self-governed in a Sentence

far beyond the reach of civil or military authorities, the settlers on the frontier were essentially self-governed
Recent Examples on the Web Local nonprofit Safe Ground Sacramento was responsible for operating the camp, which was self-governed by residents. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024 Council membership is entirely self-governed, vendor free, and prioritizes cross-industry members to ensure nuanced perspectives. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 Although Taiwan has been self-governed for more than seven decades, it is not recognized by the U.N. as a nation in its own right, with the organization regarding Beijing as the island’s diplomatic representative. Bychloe Taylor, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-governed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-governed was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near self-governed

Cite this Entry

“Self-governed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-governed. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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