know-how

noun

ˈnō-ˌhau̇ 

: knowledge of how to do something smoothly and efficiently : expertise

Synonyms of know-how

• expertise
• skills
• experience

Examples of know-how in a Sentence

you'll gain some practical know-how in this auto mechanics class

Recent Examples on the Web

Breslow, a former pitcher and Yale graduate, supposedly brought baseball know-how and a player’s mentality to the front office. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

An a la carte, eat-with-your-fingers picnic and party experience that highlights open-pit feats of culinary know-how and music in your ears that is as thoughtfully curated as the food on your plate. — Staff Author, Southern Living, 22 July 2026

The Pentagon’s campaign of air strikes on Iranian targets, which is expanding again after weeks of a shaky cease-fire, has not put an end to Iran’s nuclear stockpiles or know-how, and has probably hardened its leaders’ resolve to attain a bomb. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Epidemiologists with the know-how to monitor illicit drug activity can similarly watch for upswings in alcohol poisonings, accidents, and hospitalizations. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for know-how

• allow
• avow
• chiao
• endow
• eyebrow
• highbrow
• lanao
• meow
• powwow
• somehow
• anyhow
• carabao

Kids Definition

know-how

noun

ˈnō-ˌhau̇

: knowledge of how to get things done : expertise