self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-determination (audio)
1
: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion
2
: determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

Examples of self-determination in a Sentence

the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally. Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 Focusing on Jewish and Palestinian self-determination, respectively, each movie tells a vigorous story of disenfranchisement rooted at once in fact and a particular point of view. October 8 also comes as the headlines continue to be racked with news of the war in Gaza and reaction to it in the U.S. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025 The film’s storyline, which blends traditional Chinese mythology with modern themes of individualism and self-determination, has resonated with audiences worldwide. Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025 Somalia: Somalia, a strong supporter of Palestinian self-determination, has joined Arab nations in rejecting U.S. proposals to relocate Gaza's population. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-determination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-determination was circa 1670

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-determination

noun
self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion
ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
1
: free choice of one's own acts without outside pressure
2
: the deciding by the people of a place of the form of government they will have

More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!