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

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

---

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 • Dec. 5, 2025

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

BBC Trending has investigated the global spread of 3D-printed guns across social media platforms including Telegram, Facebook and Instagram, as well as websites offering how-to guides.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 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