selfhood

noun

self·​hood ˈself-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce selfhood (audio)
1
2
: the quality or state of being selfish

Examples of selfhood in a Sentence

he spent a year in a monastery determining the core of his selfhood
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.
Concepts like zero, karma, ahimsa, non-duality, and moksha shaped not just her identity but how the world understands selfhood, suffering, time, and truth. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 This intimate portrait offers rare access to a vanishing nomadic circus community, tracing seven years in the life of a young man caught between tradition and selfhood. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025 Be honest and forthright, because your Leo horoscope for August 2025 begins with Leo season strengthening your first house of selfhood, self-perception, and identity. Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 28 July 2025 This week Brooke and Grant chose to explore silence and its impact on families, on selfhood, and of course on our writing. Memoir Nation june 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for selfhood

Word History

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of selfhood was in 1568

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Cite this Entry

“Selfhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selfhood. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

selfhood

noun
self·​hood ˈself-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce selfhood (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on selfhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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