Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for know-how. Search instead for know-hows.
Synonyms

know-how

American  
[noh-hou] / ˈnoʊˌhaʊ /

noun

  1. knowledge of how to do something; faculty or skill for a particular activity; expertise.

    Designing a computer requires a lot of know-how.
know-how British  

noun

  1. ingenuity, aptitude, or skill; knack

  2. commercial and saleable knowledge of how to do a particular thing; experience

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

Rapidus turned to IBM, which provided key technology and know-how to the company in its pursuit of 2-nanometer chips.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Pressure to shift toward AI may strip out the human know-how of today’s younger workers.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

One of Davis’ greatest assets was his position as lieutenant governor; that currency — incumbency and government know-how — no longer trade at the same high value.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Moreover, the conflict is becoming more drawn out, and even if it subsides there is a risk of an instable resolution where Iranian nuclear material and know-how leaks out to hostile groups around the Gulf.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

They possessed the academic know-how, they possessed the technical and the scientific skills that could help to lead their mass of poor, black brothers out of our condition.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

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.