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.

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noun

how-tos plural

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• how-toer
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• how-tos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of how-to

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

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 • Mar. 3, 2026

There’s just the president saying, “Hey, guys, you should do this,” with a promise of a how-to to come.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2025

Maybe a few of the how-to asides are superfluous; I really didn’t need a lesson on how to gift wrap books.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025

This is the most comprehensive how-to guide for Hollywood careers I’ve ever read.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

There were fiction books and nonfiction books, who- did-it books and let’s-be-friends books and what-is-it books and how-to books and how-not-to books and just-regular-kid books.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli