blueprint

[bloo-print]

noun

1. a process of photographic printing, printing, used chiefly in copying architectural and mechanical drawings, which produces a white line on a blue background.

2. a print made by this process.

3. a detailed outline or plan of action.

   a blueprint for success.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a blueprint of or for.

blueprint

/ ˈbluːˌprɪnt /

noun

1. Also called: cyanotype. a photographic print of plans, technical drawings, etc, consisting of white lines on a blue background

2. an original plan or prototype that influences subsequent design or practice

   the Montessori method was the blueprint for education in the 1940s

verb

1. (tr) to make a blueprint of (a plan)

Other Word Forms

• blueprinter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of blueprint¹

First recorded in 1885–90; blue + print

Example Sentences

In recent years, however, there has been a clear blueprint for October success hidden within the madness.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He stops just short of handing us a blueprint.

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By that, he means get moving, and keep the blueprints simple.

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Given the bullpen’s continued struggles, that’s likely to be a blueprint the Dodgers will continue to follow in the playoffs.

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When it was unveiled last week, top county officials hailed it as a blueprint for improvements.

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Related Words

• draft 
• game plan 
• master plan 
• model 
• prototype 
• scheme 
• sketch