how-to

1 of 2

adjective

: giving practical instruction and advice (as on a craft)
how-to books on all sorts of hobbiesHarry Milt

how-to

2 of 2

noun

: a practical method or instruction
the how-tos of balancing a checkbook
also : something (such as a book) that provides such instruction

Examples of how-to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
These ads are paid for by would-be adoptive parents who have been instructed by dozens of how-to articles in the art of search engine optimization and online advertising. TIME, 2 Mar. 2024 At the outset, after covering ingredients and explaining gluten, there are lengthy how-to’s describing several fermentation techniques: levain, commercial yeast and poolish. Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 Slowing down the tempo and delivering a how-to tutorial on covering songs added extra depth to Timberlake’s standout effort. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 1 Feb. 2024 Eligible genres are: Entertainment news, legal/courtroom, travel/adventure/nature, instructional/how-to, lifestyle, arts and popular culture, educational and informational, daytime special and short form. Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Feb. 2024 Pantene is releasing a series of four how-to videos and one 30-second ensemble commercial featuring New Orleans’ Benjamin Watson, Pittsburgh’s DeAngelo Williams and Witten styling their daughters’ hair. David Humphrey, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Here’s the how-to behind tastier mug recipes: Microwave ovens cannot only steam food, but in some situations can toast, fry and even caramelize. Nancy Baggett, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Several companies such as Rain Bird, Toro and Hunter also have how-to videos online, showing step-by-step controller adjustments and other tips. Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 Yet a lot of people use YouTube for fairly specific purposes: to answer how-to questions (reboot their iPad, fix a flat tire, etc.), to watch and listen to music, or just to hear people talking for fun (PewDiePie). Tyler Cowen, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2024
Noun
However, Ree Drummond, aka the Pioneer Woman, is about to change your mind entirely with a surprisingly detailed Velcro roller how-to video. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 17 Mar. 2023 The book is a how-to manual for aspiring golfers with tips and tricks for swinging, posture, balance and mental toughness. Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023 Here’s a how-to list: • Try to rush Brock Purdy’s recovery, to jam him in as starter for the season opener. Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 Mar. 2023 Indeed, their how-to-flirt piece is an informal discussion among staffers, including token male Neill McCutheon, associate art director. San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2023 Rising Together by Sally Helgesen The latest book by Helgesen is an action plan filled with how-to tips. Dr. Ruth Gotian, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 For more, check out our Best Turntables guide and our how-to article on upgrading your home audio. Parker Hall, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2023 As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 3 Mar. 2023 To further connect with the community, Gao hopes to one day host classes for home brewing and offer other interactive how-to events. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'how-to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of how-to was in 1926

Cite this Entry

“How-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/how-to. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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