how-to

[ hou-too ]

adjective

1. giving or pertaining to basic instructions and directions to the layperson on the methods for doing or making something, especially as a hobby or for practical use:

   a how-to book on photography.

noun

, plural how-tos.

1. a set of step-by-step instructions for accomplishing a certain task or reaching a certain objective:

   a how-to for fixing a leaky faucet.

2. the basic principles or approach for doing something:

   the how-to of investing in the stock market.

how-to

adjective

1. (of a book or guide) giving basic instructions to the lay person on how to do or make something, esp as a hobby or for practical purposes

   a how-to book on carpentry

Other Words From

• how-toer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of how-to¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

In March, popular beauty site Into the Gloss even published a how-to on getting blue-tinted hair.

From The Daily Beast

The “Operation Trojan Horse” letter was a how-to guide for Islamic fundamentalists wanting to take over local schools.

From The Daily Beast

An email allegedly written by David Newman, an employee of the Cheyenne VA, reads like a how-to manual for cooking the books.

From The Daily Beast

Is a frightening how-to book that aims to help its middle-to-high school audience “[navigate] first crushes, kisses, and love.”

From The Daily Beast

Jack only released the how-to of the hack to the ATM makers, and only after the fixes had already been made.

From The Daily Beast

Meantime I'll take your advice about my speech, Mac, and blue-pencil the how-to-be-good stuff.

From Project Gutenberg

Special subjects require special consideration and study, especially when the how-to-do-it is involved.

From Project Gutenberg

Because all persons want to know how to be more successful, they read these "how-to-do-something" articles with avidity.

From Project Gutenberg

In preparing a "how-to-do-something" article, a writer needs to consider the class of readers for which it is intended.

From Project Gutenberg

Lobs were being tried, and Stone, nearly weeping with pure joy, was playing an innings of the How-to-brighten-cricket type.

From Project Gutenberg