do-it-yourself

American  

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

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

Etymology

Origin of do-it-yourself

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The two companies are competing for the more consistent spending of professional building and repair companies, particularly as consumers delay large remodels and do-it-yourself projects, analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company derives about 70% of its revenue from do-it-yourself consumers and 30% from professional contractors, leaving it more vulnerable to the vicissitudes of the consumer environment.

From Barron's

Robo advisers are a useful tool for the do-it-yourself type of investor, but when finances start to get tricky, such as multiple life changes or big moves, a real human can make all the difference.

From MarketWatch

Looking at the proliferation of do-it-yourself online tasks, the software company Liferay calculated this year that 82% of adults in the U.S. find themselves doing work once handled by an employee.

From The Wall Street Journal

Life milestones like marriage or retirement can create financial complexities that even do-it-yourself investors need assistance on.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• handmade