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

What Ukraine’s military lacks in expensive munitions, it has also tried to make up for in innovative do-it-yourself defense.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

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

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• handmade