self-taught

adjective

ˈself-ˈtȯt 

1

: having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction

a self-taught musician

2

: learned by oneself

self-taught knowledge

Synonyms

• autodidactic
• self-educated
• self-instructed

Examples of self-taught in a Sentence

the cellist's success is all the more remarkable because she is self-taught

Recent Examples on the Web

Tanya Tagaq, another artist pushing throat singing into the ether, is self-taught almost by accident. —Kate Nelson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024

Tech companies have been among the first to drop requirements; in my book there are several programmers who learned via short-term programs or, in one case, a man who self-taught and is now making close to $200,000 a year. —Karin Klein, TIME, 13 Aug. 2024

Originally from Tampa, Fla., Hargrove is predominantly self-taught, though has honed her craft through the years studying and cooking in restaurants all around the world. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 July 2024

Moore, almost entirely self-taught on the guitar, was never interested in learning to play conventionally. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 9 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

self-taught

adjective

ˈself-ˈtȯt

1

: having knowledge or skills acquired by one's own efforts without formal instruction

a self-taught musician

2

: learned by oneself

self-taught knowledge