how-to
Americanadjective
noun
-
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.
-
the basic principles or approach for doing something.
the how-to of investing in the stock market.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of how-to
First recorded in 1925–30
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.
See Examples For:
The streaming giant has signed agreements with publishers including Penske Media, BuzzFeed Studios, Conde Nast, Hearst Magazines and People Inc. to feature a range of news, lifestyle, celebrity and how-to video programming.
From Barron's ● Jul. 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
There’s just the president saying, “Hey, guys, you should do this,” with a promise of a how-to to come.
From Slate ● Oct. 21, 2025
Maybe a few of the how-to asides are superfluous; I really didn’t need a lesson on how to gift wrap books.
From Salon ● Aug. 27, 2025
I could use an in-person guru to help, instead of me pausing and rewinding how-to videos every few seconds to follow along.
From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio
TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and celebrity websites feature slim influencers and "how-tos" for achieving those same results in no time.
From Salon ● Feb. 22, 2024
Have a look at reviews and how-tos before you plunk down $49.99.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 15, 2022
Because I knew the most English, I researched Americanized things and how-tos for my parents.
From New York Times ● Oct. 22, 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
That’s how I feel when people forget the how-tos.
From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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.
