how-to

American  

[hou-too] / ˈhaʊˈtu /

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 British  

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 Word Forms

• how-toer noun

Etymology

Origin of how-to

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Though an initial documentary on the couple scored high ratings with further details on Megxit, viewership for Meghan’s more recent how-to show, With Love, Meghan, fell this last season.

From The Wall Street Journal

For historians and rubbernecking readers alike, “All the President’s Men” would be a necessary tome, a how-to on exposing corruption.

From Salon

An Anthropic employee posted on X a how-to guide for swapping out a competing model for Claude: “Ready to make the switch?” the employee wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal

Each free challenge starts when you sign up, and continues with one email a week to your inbox—full of exercises and how-to’s—for four to six weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Brand devotes many pages to the joys of how-to media, from Diderot’s “Encyclopédie” to “Chilton’s Motorcycle Troubleshooting Guide” to the countless instructional videos available on YouTube today.

From The Wall Street Journal