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

It was intertwined with a do-it-yourself, anti-star ethos that would re-emerge, much louder, with punk. —Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

The do-it-yourself heater is an easy and cost-effective way to stay warm and cozy in a small space in your house. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025

Korean cuisine is often associated with beef: bulgogi or kalbi or the do-it-yourself braziers that leave your hair and skin redolent of smoke. —Peggy Orenstein, AFAR Media, 6 Jan. 2025

Many do-it-yourself filers qualify for free tax software through the Free File Program at the IRS.gov website. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025

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