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

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

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Other Word Forms

• how-toer noun

Etymology

Origin of how-to

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

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

The Agriculture Department provides a handy how-to for dealing with leftover food, advising consumers on wrapping, reheating and thawing, and handling what the agency calls “leftover ‘leftovers.’”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From Literature

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

From The Wall Street Journal