makeshift

[ meyk-shift ]

noun

1. a temporary expedient or substitute:

   We used boxes as a makeshift while the kitchen chairs were being painted.

   Synonyms: jury-rig, contrivance, make-do

adjective

1. Also makeshifty. serving as, or of the nature of, a makeshift.

   Synonyms: ersatz, jury, improvised, temporary, emergency

makeshift

/ ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft /

adjective

1. serving as a temporary or expedient means, esp during an emergency

noun

1. something serving in this capacity

Word History and Origins

Origin of makeshift¹

First recorded in 1555–65; noun, adj. use of verb phrase make shift

Example Sentences

The party was full and I found a sofa near a makeshift bar in the corner.

From The Daily Beast

When not screaming or yelling hysterically, Samuel is brandishing makeshift weapons and pushing his cousins off a tree house.

From The Daily Beast

She walked for two days before settling into a makeshift camp.

From The Daily Beast

Residents had placed makeshift roadblocks, including wooden beams and furniture, on roads leading to the protest.

From The Daily Beast

Earlier this week she pleaded with ISIS to uphold the verdict of a makeshift Sharia court, which ruled that he was not a spy.

From The Daily Beast

Though to a certain extent useful when no better means of control is provided, this is but a makeshift.

From Project Gutenberg

He slouched wordlessly into the room, hands thrust deep in the pockets of a makeshift jacket.

From Project Gutenberg

No native takes any part in the preaching on the station, except in extreme cases, when it is regarded as a makeshift.

From Project Gutenberg

We have a makeshift thing set up there now—but it's nothing to what will be needed.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, sir; youth and love constitute the world, and all that follows is a mere makeshift.

From Project Gutenberg