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

Derived Forms

• do-it-yourselfer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of do-it-yourself

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

A crucial element in SpaceX’s soaring IPO was the army of do-it-yourself traders who bought some $118 million of SpaceX stock on the first day of trading.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

However, like in other countries worldwide, do-it-yourself publication including zines -- which originated in the 1930s with sci-fi fans in the US -- is growing in Japan, especially among younger generations.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

In the company’s do-it-yourself channel, or DIY, same-store sales rose by a low-single-digit rate, with demand weighed down as consumers’ budgets come under pressure from inflation, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The head of environmental group Legambiente, Stefano Ciafani, described the 18 deaths as an "unprecedented attack on protected wildlife" and an example of "do-it-yourself justice".

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

And, in truth, my do-it-yourself meal did not come out exactly as I hoped.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Related Words

• handmade