makeshift

American  

[meyk-shift] / ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft /

noun

1. a temporary expedient or substitute.

   We used boxes as a makeshift while the kitchen chairs were being painted.

   Synonyms:

   jury-rig, contrivance, make-do

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adjective

1. Also makeshifty. serving as, or of the nature of, a makeshift.

   Synonyms:

   ersatz, jury, improvised, temporary, emergency

makeshift British  

/ ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft /

adjective

1. serving as a temporary or expedient means, esp during an emergency

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noun

1. something serving in this capacity

Etymology

Origin of makeshift

First recorded in 1555–65; noun, adj. use of verb phrase make shift

Example Sentences

Candles and bouquets of flowers have been left by the boarded-up bar's wooden entrance steps, and at a makeshift memorial nearby.

From Barron's

Prior to that, a military captain, Meir Tobianski, was executed for treason following a makeshift court martial in June 1948, shortly after the Israeli state was established.

From BBC

The King will attend the film's launch on Wednesday - in the first premiere held at Windsor Castle, with the spectacular Waterloo Chamber turned into a makeshift cinema.

From BBC

The heavy targeting of the Ukrainian capital -- which Russia failed to seize at the start of its invasion -- has forced residents to find makeshift solutions to stay warm.

From Barron's

I draw three boxes, and divide those into smaller boxes, until I have a makeshift three-month calendar.

From Literature