self-explanatory

adjective

self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ˌself-ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce self-explanatory (audio)
: explaining itself : capable of being understood without explanation

Examples of self-explanatory in a Sentence

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.
The Cold Moon name is fairly self-explanatory, reflecting the onset of frigid temperatures and the approach of winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 The next toggle switch is Add other members, which is relatively self-explanatory. David Nield, WIRED, 1 Dec. 2024 But the mathematics underlying the chart is unfathomably complex, a combination of equations that make hieroglyphics seem self-explanatory. Tom Siegfried, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024 Some highlights include Pink Palace, which focuses on the history and production of rosé, as well as the (perhaps self-explanatory) Chocolate Story, a museum that dives deep into the history of chocolate production. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-explanatory 

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-explanatory was in 1737

Dictionary Entries Near self-explanatory

Cite this Entry

“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-explanatory. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-explanatory

adjective
self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry
ˌsel-fik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē,
-ˌtȯr-
: understandable without explanation

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