self-portrait

[ self-pawr-trit, -treyt, -pohr-, self- ]

noun

1. a portrait of oneself done by oneself.

self-portrait

noun

1. a portrait one draws or paints of oneself

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-portrait¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Moon Unit Zappa’s memoir is a self-portrait of an insecure and often confused child, worshipful of her absent father, Frank Zappa, and thirsty for maternal affection.

From Los Angeles Times

Moon’s memoir is a self-portrait of an insecure and often confused child, worshipful of the absent father and thirsty for maternal affection.

From Los Angeles Times

The self-portrait in “Afro Goddess Looking Forward” is typical: Black-and-white photographs of Thomas’ eyes, some tabletop greenery and a portion of her torso mix with abundant painted features.

From Los Angeles Times

In January, students at a junior high school outside Montreal received an assignment to draw a classmate or a self-portrait in the style of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

From New York Times

They’re the artist’s feet as self-portrait, and a wink, perhaps, to the fact that she’s planted herself firmly in this new botanical subject matter.

From New York Times