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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• do-it-yourselfer noun

Etymology

Origin of do-it-yourself

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Winter storms across the U.S. hurt domestic commercial and do-it-yourself sales, according to Chief Executive Phil Daniele.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 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

California, meanwhile, had the largest outmigration number of do-it-yourself movers for the sixth straight year.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 10, 2026

Manufacturers offer us do-it-yourself booklets on how to kill bugs.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• handmade