do-it-yourself
[doo-i-cher-self, -it-yer-]
- 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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- the practice or hobby of building or repairing things for oneself, usually in one's own home.
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Origin of do-it-yourself
First recorded in 1950–55
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for do-it-yourself
Contemporary Examples
Hot dog eaters do not avail themselves of the do-it-yourself fixings.
Spice up your viewing party with nine do-it-yourself punch recipes, each tailored to a Best Picture nominee.
The 32-year-old founder of do-it-yourself photography site Photojojo was diagnosed with acute leukemia in September.
Photojojo Founder Amit Gupta Uses Social Media to Find a Bone-Marrow DonorCaitlin Dickson
November 30, 2011
Brian Ries talks to amateur exterminators facing bedbugs with nothing but do-it-yourself attitude.
Historical Examples
For them it was as simple as following a do-it-yourself book.
A Practical Guide to Self-HypnosisMelvin Powers
Rick found himself surveying a collection of tools for the do-it-yourself addict.
The Wailing OctopusHarold Leland Goodwin
When a native runs into something serious, that his own do-it-yourself magic can't cope with, he goes to the shoonoo.
Oomphel in the SkyHenry Beam Piper
do-it-yourself
- the hobby or process of constructing and repairing things oneself
- (as modifier)a do-it-yourself kit
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for do-it-yourself
as a modifier, attested by 1941. The expression is much older.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper