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.
Know how much you want to spend and where you're hoping to be.
From Salon • Feb. 5, 2023
Know how it’s going to look 30 seconds or 3 minutes or 30 minutes later.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2023
Know how many responses he’s gotten since then?
From Seattle Times • Nov. 25, 2022
Know how Microsoft replied that forcing gamers to download hundreds of individual apps to play a catalog of cloud games would be a bad experience?
From The Verge • Dec. 9, 2021
Know how much you’ve got, and beware of strangers!”
From "Grendel" by John Gardner
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.
