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

There are early indications of some home buyers and sellers experimenting with chatbots for do-it-yourself transactions to save money on fees. — John Kell, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

While wind power projects must be large to be effective, solar energy is having a private moment, with many do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions available in the market. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Tapping into the growing trend of do-it-yourself skin care, this sheet mask maker is incredibly beginner-friendly. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

The comprehensive business plan, introduced in 2020, aims to capture market share across both do-it-yourself consumers and professional contractors. — Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for do-it-yourself

• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• itself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• oneself
• thyself
• yourself
• elf

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