self-taught

adjective

ˈself-ˈtȯt 

1

: having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction

a self-taught musician

2

: learned by oneself

self-taught knowledge

Synonyms

• autodidactic
• self-educated
• self-instructed

Examples of self-taught in a Sentence

the cellist's success is all the more remarkable because she is self-taught

Recent Examples on the Web

Primarily self-taught, Sierra Ferrell started her career busking on the streets of New Orleans. —Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025

For those interested in expanding their view past traditional art history, into the arena of the self-taught, Edlin suggested that, first and foremost, collectors must have the courage of their convictions. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Additionally, the custom suit designer — whose creations have been worn by the likes of Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow and three-time Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce — is self-taught, having worked at a hedge fund for eight years with a background in finance. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025

Much like her success with script supervising, King was self-taught but also relied on heavyweight comic talents like Steve Niles and Tim Bradstreet for advice. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

self-taught

adjective

ˈself-ˈtȯt

1

: having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction

a self-taught musician

2

: learned by oneself

self-taught knowledge