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

As he spoke, Abiyah was already dead and the police left without finding his makeshift grave.

From BBC

It was there - more than 100 miles away from Abiyah's makeshift grave - that a visiting social worker began to sense there was a terrible secret in the couple's recent past.

From BBC

Officers left without finding his makeshift grave in the back garden.

From BBC

Video taken in the aftermath of the strike by the Reuters news agency showed people walking through the mangled and charred remains of their makeshift tents on Thursday morning, with smoke rising from piles of clothes, mattresses and other belongings.

From New York Times

Unwilling to pay the hefty commissions, either to money brokers or gangs, some Gazans have resorted to bartering, whether in makeshift stalls on the streets or using social media such as Facebook and the Telegram messaging app.

From Los Angeles Times