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 audience for these records were passionate but small, so by necessity the recordings were often do-it-yourself affairs.

From Los Angeles Times

Generation X, as the first do-it-yourself retirement generation, is falling behind.

From MarketWatch

Melich predicts that management’s discussion will center on building out a more complete Pro ecosystem while continuing to gain share in do-it-yourself.

From Barron's

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

Related Words

• handmade