do-it-yourself

American  

[doo-i-cher-self, -it-yer-] / ˈdu ɪ tʃərˈsɛlf, -ɪt jər- /

DIY,

adjective

1. of or designed for construction or use by amateurs without special training.

   a do-it-yourself kit for building a radio.

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noun

1. the practice or hobby of building or repairing things for oneself, usually in one's own home.

do-it-yourself British  

noun

1. 1. the hobby or process of constructing and repairing things oneself

   2. ( as modifier )

      a do-it-yourself kit

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Other Word Forms

• do-it-yourselfer
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of do-it-yourself

First recorded in 1950–55

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

do-it-yourself

The conference also offers an up-close view of a generational shift in financial markets: The do-it-yourself investor is playing a bigger role on Wall Street than ever before.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2026

The San Fernando Valley, especially in Burbank, is a region now known for extravagant, do-it-yourself Halloween displays.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Despite that result—and a few other victories by other self-represented individuals in recent decades—the high court has taken a guarded approach to do-it-yourself litigants.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

Chairman and CEO Sasan Goodzari said the company is losing do-it-yourself customers to low-cost providers.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026

“That stands for do-it-yourself, and that includes learning how to play an instrument.”

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez

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Related Words

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