blueprint

American  

[bloo-print] / ˈbluˌprɪnt /

noun

blueprints plural

1. a process of photographic 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.

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verb (used with object)

blueprints, present (3rd person singular) blueprinted, past participle, past blueprinting present participle

1. to make a blueprint of or for.

blueprint British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• blueprinter
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• blueprints
  plural

Participles

• blueprinting
  present
• blueprinted
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• blueprint
  simple
• blueprints
  simple
• have blueprinted
  perfect
• has blueprinted
  perfect
• am blueprinting
  progressive
• are blueprinting
  progressive
• is blueprinting
  progressive
• have been blueprinting
  perfect progressive
• has been blueprinting
  perfect progressive

Past

• blueprinted
  simple
• had blueprinted
  perfect
• was blueprinting
  progressive
• were blueprinting
  progressive
• had been blueprinting
  perfect progressive

Future

• will blueprint
  simple
• will have blueprinted
  perfect
• will be blueprinting
  progressive
• will have been blueprinting
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of blueprint

First recorded in 1885–90; blue + print

Explanation

A blueprint is a guide for making something — it's a design or pattern that can be followed. Want to build the best tree house ever? Draw up a blueprint and follow the design carefully. The literal meaning of a blueprint is a paper — which is blue — with plans for a building printed on it. You can also call other guides or plans blueprints. The way you do your homework every night could provide a blueprint for your little sister’s study habits. A business plan is a blueprint for a profitable business. Religions and philosophies provide the blueprint for many people’s lives. A blueprint helps you figure out what to do.

Example Sentences

The White House in July 2025 announced an “AI Action Plan” aimed at providing a blueprint for winning the artificial intelligence race, including streamlined permitting for data-center development and chip factories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

This "blueprint" that will be unveiled by Starmer has reportedly been signed off by "his likely successor Andy Burnham."

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

If Rob Pelinka could use the Dodgers’ blueprint to renovate, Lakers fans wouldn’t even be sweating this summer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2026

There is strong global interest in whether Australia's laws could provide a blueprint for how to rein in increasingly powerful tech giants.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

I swipe through pictures of my heart collage and blueprint, and of women I admire who create things.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio

Related Words

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