self-regulation

noun

self-reg·​u·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌre-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-regulation (audio)
-ˌre-gə-,
 also  -ˌrā-
plural self-regulations
: the act or condition or an instance of regulating oneself or itself: such as
a
: control or supervision from within instead of by an external authority
the online marketing industry's self-regulation of consumer privacy protections
also : a rule imposed in self-regulation
Banks were left to largely manage themselves, and establish industry-wide self-regulationsKevin Plummer
According to the Federal Trade Commission, food marketing cannot be false, deceptive or unfair. But there are other, more specific, self-regulations out there for ads related to kids. Alexandra Sifferlin
b
: the bringing of oneself or itself into a state of order, method, or uniformity
self-regulation of an ecosystem
emotional self-regulation

Examples of self-regulation 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.
Movement, music, time outside, games with peers and activities like puzzles all help children build skills like self-regulation and executive function. Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025 Interacting with animals, and horses in particular, can serve as a bellwether and teach officers self-regulation. Katja Ridderbusch, NPR, 26 May 2025 In essence, to sleep well is to engage in strategic self-regulation. Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Lawyers have long used the cloak of professionalism to preserve self-regulation, thwart competition, and operate by their own rules. Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-regulation

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-regulation was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Self-regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-regulation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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