self-governed

adjective

self-gov·​erned ˌself-ˈgə-vərnd How to pronounce self-governed (audio)
1
: not influenced or controlled by others
2
: exercising self-control

Examples of self-governed in a Sentence

far beyond the reach of civil or military authorities, the settlers on the frontier were essentially self-governed
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.
Local nonprofit Safe Ground Sacramento was responsible for operating the camp, which was self-governed by residents. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024 Council membership is entirely self-governed, vendor free, and prioritizes cross-industry members to ensure nuanced perspectives. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 Although Taiwan has been self-governed for more than seven decades, it is not recognized by the U.N. as a nation in its own right, with the organization regarding Beijing as the island’s diplomatic representative. Bychloe Taylor, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-governed was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near self-governed

Cite this Entry

“Self-governed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-governed. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!