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

See Examples For:

how-to how-tos

Tongue-in-cheek title notwithstanding, though, the events of the film aren’t the sort of thing easily set down in a how-to guide.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

At just 20 years old, Nomark offers his 500,000 Instagram followers a how-to guide for rendering the cameras useless, raising awareness about the devices.

From Barron's ● Aug. 9, 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

If you, like me, are a connoisseur of ridiculous how-to TV, said pastime fits the profile of a woman of means with a backyard chicken coop and a Viking range.

From Salon ● Mar. 5, 2025

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.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and celebrity websites feature slim influencers and "how-tos" for achieving those same results in no time.

From Salon ● Feb. 22, 2024

Because I knew the most English, I researched Americanized things and how-tos for my parents.

From New York Times ● Oct. 22, 2022

And the company’s Body Builder Advisory Service offers a range of guides and how-tos for cops that want to modify or improve their trucks with aftermarket equipment.

From The Verge ● Jul. 28, 2022

True Value has DIY project how-tos at truevalue.com/diy-projects.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 29, 2022

That’s how I feel when people forget the how-tos.

From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly