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.
She asked whether they could use their technology and know-how to engineer something that could similarly save lives in the event of wildfire flames.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
The implication was clear: farming know-how had been imported into the “waterworld” hunter-gatherer communities by women.
From Science Daily • May 30, 2026
Despite his lack of governance know-how, Pratt is versed in the art of spectacle.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been offering his country's know-how fighting Russian- and Iranian-made drones to Middle Eastern nations, offered to help Bahrain in his latest visit to the region.
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
“Seriously, it’s more complicated than you think. You gotta have a little know-how and you gotta develop your own style.”
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
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.
