selfie

noun

self·​ie ˈsel-fē How to pronounce selfie (audio)
: an image that includes oneself (often with another person or as part of a group) and is taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks

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What is the origin of selfie?

The first-known appearance of selfie in written form occurred in 2002 on an Australian news website, but the word didn't see much use until 2012. By November 2013, selfie was appearing frequently enough in print and electronic media that Oxford Dictionaries (publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary as well as other dictionaries) chose the word as its Word of the Year. This announcement itself led to a significant increase in the use of the word by news organizations, an increase that was further boosted following the December 2013 memorial service for Nelson Mandela, at which American President Barack Obama was caught taking a selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British Prime Minister David Cameron. The word selfie, with its suggestions of self-centeredness and self-involvement, was particularly popular with critics who saw this moment as a reflection of the President's character.

Examples of selfie 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.
Nobody will mind if they get smacked in the head by a selfie stick, or buzzed by a drone. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 9 Nov. 2024 To take a ballot selfie or not to take a ballot selfie, that's a million-dollar Election Day question. Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 The trio posed for rare selfies with Swift, 34, backstage at the show, as well as snapping a further selfie with the pop superstar’s boyfriend Travis Kelce, which Swift later shared on her Instagram. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Taking selfies with fans in front of the theatre, he can be seen wearing a vintage Cartier Baignoire timepiece from 1970s in yellow gold with a black strap. Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for selfie 

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of selfie was in 2002

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Dictionary Entries Near selfie

Cite this Entry

“Selfie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selfie. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

selfie

noun
self·​ie
ˈsel-fē
plural selfies
: an image of oneself taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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