know-how
Americannoun
noun
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ingenuity, aptitude, or skill; knack
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commercial and saleable knowledge of how to do a particular thing; experience
Etymology
Origin of know-how
1830–40, noun use of verb phrase know how
Explanation
Know-how is the knowledge and skill needed to complete a task. Mechanics have a lot of know-how when it comes to cars. This folksy word pretty much defines itself: when you have know-how, you know how to do something. People pick up know-how in many ways. In school, you can gain know-how, especially in classes that are very practical. The best way to get know-how is through experience. For example, teachers may learn about teaching in school, but they won't have a lot of know-how till they've spent a few years in front of a class of students.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Reed says the problem is worse at the moment because employers are hiring less, so often look for candidates who already have some know-how.
From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026
The students relied on their own AI know-how and a LinkedIn learning session.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026
These ETFs mostly own the companies providing the materials, products and know-how to build, along with the asset owners and operators.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
Russian military know-how has enabled Kim to shift more resources to bread-and-butter areas.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
Instead of relying solely on old-fashioned cop know-how, he introduced technological solutions like CompStat, a computerized method of addressing crime hot spots.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
