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

This is not a do-it-yourself spreadsheet exercise; it takes careful planning and depth that a simple spreadsheet won’t capture.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

And I enjoy answering questions from do-it-yourself investors who want to take control of their financial future.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

Lowe’s has a high do-it-yourself clientele, and this segment historically leads the home-improvement cycle.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

It was a do-it-yourself contraption that you could assemble at home.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• handmade