blueprint

American  

[bloo-print] / ˈbluˌprɪnt /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

• blueprinter noun

Etymology

Origin of blueprint

First recorded in 1885–90; blue + print

Example Sentences

In his support for human rights and with his blueprint for a path to democracy, Mr. Pahlavi speaks for me.

From The Wall Street Journal

The return to these names is a recognition of a 3,000-year-old blueprint.

From The Wall Street Journal

For that, Timbers and the team found the original blueprints from 1976.

From Los Angeles Times

When Seattle staked its future on Darnold, however, it meant tearing up a relatively successful blueprint.

From The Wall Street Journal

"This means it is not just a trade agreement. This is a new blueprint for shared prosperity," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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