self-identify

verb

self-iden·​ti·​fy ˌself-ī-ˈden-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce self-identify (audio)
-ə-ˈden-
self-identified; self-identifying; self-identifies

Examples of self-identify 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 act also affirmed the right to self-identify as transgender or non-binary. Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026 In 2020, the Legislature passed the Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act, which enables transgender, nonbinary and intersex people entering the correctional system to self-identify their gender. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026 Today, the school admits qualified applicants who were assigned female at birth or who self-identify as women, trans women, non-binary, or gender-nonconforming individuals at the time of application, according to its website. Laura Fay, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 Some of them self-identified as gambling addicts. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 Court records show Villanueva communicated with two individuals who self-identified as ISIS fighters, repeatedly expressing his desire to fight for the terrorist group himself. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Can Louisville candidates self-identify with a political party? Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Jan. 2026 There are some older polls that show a slight majority of fans who self-identify as conservative or Republican, but more recent studies seem to suggest that the fan base is diversifying, a diversification that is accelerating. Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-identify was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Self-identify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-identify. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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