self-government

American  

[self-guhv-ern-muhnt, -er-muhnt, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈgʌv ərn mənt, -ər mənt, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. control of the government of a state, community, or other body by its own members; democratic government.

2. the condition of being self-governed.

3. self-control.

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self-government British  

noun

1. the government of a country, nation, etc, by its own people

2. the state of being self-controlled

3. an archaic term for self-control

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Other Word Forms

• self-governed adjective
• self-governing adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-government

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

This is already happening in Washington, where the Home Rule Act of 1973, which gave the city limited self-government, allows Congress oversight.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

They want their own right of self-determination and self-government in their Native nations.

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026

Their charitable giving supports a range of civic associations that train citizens in the skills and habits needed for self-government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Her hands are tied by D.C.’s unique status under the Home Rule Act, which granted limited self-government to the District.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2025

This era saw baseball teams organized among inmates, as well as the groundbreaking establishment of an organization of inmate self-government, the Mutual Welfare League.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• autonomy
• discretion
• flexibility
• immunity
• independence
• sovereignty