how-to

[hou-too]

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of how-to¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

They’d read my book as a how-to manual.

Read more on Literature

Just as most students at Ohio State University read Liar’s Poker as a how-to manual, most TV and radio interviewers read me as a whistle-blower.

Read more on Literature

That way, the AI can adapt things like TV recommendations and how-to’s for my family members or my tech setup.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For troubleshooting tech and getting how-to’s for basic home improvements, some of my interviewees found ChatGPT gets to the root of the question quicker than long-winded YouTube videos.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Slate