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.

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know-how British  

noun

1. ingenuity, aptitude, or skill; knack

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

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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

He still has the ability; adding that to his know-how and the superb character of a man who was always highly popular with his England team-mates, I would put him in my squad.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

She sees her straight talk and government know-how as assets once voters focus.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Mechanics must be certified to work safely around that high-voltage battery, and must have the know-how to deal with the complexity of these new computers on wheels, she adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

But taking a researcher to court required money, know-how, and the knowledge that you were being used for research in the first place.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Related Words

• ability
• aptitude
• background
• capability
• expertise
• ingenuity
• knowledge
• proficiency
• wisdom