know-how
Americannoun
noun
-
ingenuity, aptitude, or skill; knack
-
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.
Switzerland have got some exciting young players to go with the know-how of Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 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
The three countries had all the resources, infrastructure and logistical know-how to put on the tournament, having already combining to host six men’s and women’s World Cups.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
But bombes were costly and time-consuming to run, and there were nowhere near enough of them, so British code breakers were also solving many Enigma messages—fully or in part—with pencil, paper, and know-how.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
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.
