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

Several steakhouses offer unique dining experiences, from do-it-yourself grilling at Alexander's to the theatrical decor at Jeff Ruby's. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Elevated mortgages have stalled housing turnover, which hurts Home Depot on the pro side — with homebuilding and the need for large-scale renovations tepid — and on the do-it-yourself side. —Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025

New for children is a do-it-yourself holiday arts and craft area in the San Diego Municipal Gymnasium. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025

Amazon isn’t just a one-stop destination for travel accessories and camping gear; the online retailer has also expanded into do-it-yourself cabin kits that are easy to build and offer overnight guests more privacy than a spare bedroom. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

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