do-it-yourself

noun

do-it-your·​self ˌdü-i-chər-ˈself 

ˌdü-it-yər-

often attributive

: the activity of doing or making something (as in woodworking or home repair) without professional training or assistance

broadly : an activity in which one does something oneself or on one's own initiative

do-it-yourselfer

ˌdü-i-chər-ˈsel-fər 

ˌdü-it-yər-

noun

Examples of do-it-yourself in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some great ideas are do-it-yourself (DIY) ornaments, holiday themed at-home slime, or homemade stickers of your favorite Christmas characters. Throw a Christmas party. —Christin Perry, Parents, 11 Dec. 2024

But there are an increasing number of do-it-yourself gun makers, some of whom are skirting the law. —Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024

New videos on Russian social media analyzed in detail at The Armourer’s Bench website provide a do-it-yourself guide for creating anti-drone buckshot rounds for the ubiquitous AK-74 assault rifle. —David Hambling, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Home Depot will be right there to serve both the pro and the do-it-yourself customers. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

do-it-yourself

adjective

do-it-your·​self

ˌdü-ə-chər-ˈself

: of, relating to, or designed for a person without professional training or help to do or make

do-it-yourselfer

-ˈsel-fər

noun