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

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

What emerges is a story of youth and rebellion and the surprising discipline of do-it-yourself culture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 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

So is this the year for the do-it-yourself crowd to find an accountant?

From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026

I leaned to the side to see, sitting across from me, a short, scrawny Black boy with a do-it-yourself haircut, thick red-and-black-framed glasses, super-baggy cargo shorts, and a Malcolm X T-shirt.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

Related Words

• handmade