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

Not long after the Minnesota Vikings completed last year’s 14-win season, they embarked on a bold blueprint that was designed to make them even better.

From The Wall Street Journal

After talks in Geneva just over a week ago, the United States updated the original blueprint following criticism from Kyiv and Europe, but the current contents remain unclear.

From Barron's

“We had our blueprint. We had our nest egg. We had our health. All that was left was to toast our good fortune and enjoy the ride,” Glenn says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chokepoints on the military’s mobility map are among the most closely guarded secrets of the blueprint.

From The Wall Street Journal

Friends and family say Munger’s eventful last period offers lessons for investors—and a blueprint for how to age with grace, equanimity and purpose.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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