how-to

American  

[hou-too] / ˈhaʊˈtu /

adjective

1. giving or pertaining to basic instructions and directions to the layperson on the methods for doing or making something, especially as a hobby or for practical use.

   a how-to book on photography.

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noun

• how-tos
  plural

1. a set of step-by-step instructions for accomplishing a certain task or reaching a certain objective.

   a how-to for fixing a leaky faucet.

2. the basic principles or approach for doing something.

   the how-to of investing in the stock market.

how-to British  

adjective

1. (of a book or guide) giving basic instructions to the lay person on how to do or make something, esp as a hobby or for practical purposes

   a how-to book on carpentry

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• how-toer
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• how-tos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of how-to

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

how-to how-tos

The part how-to book and part personal memoir is aimed at helping readers navigate the harsh political divisiveness in the culture.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

At just 20 years old, Nomark offers his 500,000 Instagram followers a how-to guide for rendering the cameras useless, raising awareness about the devices.

From Barron's ● Aug. 9, 2026

For historians and rubbernecking readers alike, “All the President’s Men” would be a necessary tome, a how-to on exposing corruption.

From Salon ● Mar. 7, 2026

The Agriculture Department provides a handy how-to for dealing with leftover food, advising consumers on wrapping, reheating and thawing, and handling what the agency calls “leftover ‘leftovers.’”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025

If I keep thinking and brainstorming and watching how-to videos—instead of doing—it’s never going to happen.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio

Have a look at reviews and how-tos before you plunk down $49.99.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 15, 2022

And the company’s Body Builder Advisory Service offers a range of guides and how-tos for cops that want to modify or improve their trucks with aftermarket equipment.

From The Verge ● Jul. 28, 2022

Subscribe so you get first-access to special recipes, how-tos and food history deep dives.

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2022

YouTube is a bottomless well of instructional content, brimming with how-tos and “hack” videos, but many follow a formula of wall-to-wall, unidirectional talk.

From New York Times ● Apr. 6, 2022

He doesn’t care if I can’t hear him, and he doesn’t need any how-tos.

From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly