do-it-yourself

noun

do-it-your·​self ˌdü-i-chər-ˈself How to pronounce do-it-yourself (audio)
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 noun

Examples of do-it-yourself in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our advice: Use competent tax professionals, and prepare to pay more for tax preparation—this isn’t a do-it-yourself situation. William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Expect fun do-it-yourself activities like biking around temples and glamping in vast geothermal fields. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 17 July 2025 But in a world where a single in-office laser session can cost $1,500 or more—and where downtime can derail your week—the idea of a damage-free, do-it-yourself treatment that actually works feels like the future. Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 16 July 2025 The brainchild of Los Angeles beauty entrepreneur Comer Cottrell and his brother Jim, the Curly Kit’s do-it-yourself box formula brought shiny, wet-look curls to the masses. Kelli María Korducki, thehustle.co, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for do-it-yourself

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of do-it-yourself was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Do-it-yourself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-it-yourself. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on do-it-yourself

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