blueprint

noun

blue·​print ˈblü-ˌprint 

plural blueprints

1

: a photographic print in white on a bright blue ground or blue on a white ground used especially for copying maps, mechanical drawings, and architects' plans

2

: something or someone resembling a blueprint (as in serving as a model or providing guidance)

… few foundations have taken a similar [investing] route, so there was no blueprint to follow.

—Paul Sullivan

He was an anomaly to the rap world when he arrived, but today he is the blueprint for a generation.

—Jeff Ihaza

especially : a detailed plan or program of action

a blueprint for success

blueprint transitive verb

blueprinted; blueprinting; blueprints

It was not something blueprinted from the start or based on a French bistro archetype; it's a restaurant that has grown and evolved …

—Ian McNulty

Synonyms of blueprint

• plan
• strategy
• program
• scheme
• project

Examples of blueprint in a Sentence

a blueprint for reforming the public school system

an ambitious young man with a remarkably detailed blueprint for becoming a millionaire by the age of 25

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, there’s a fairly straightforward blueprint that will produce a defense which will be more asset than liability. — Gary Davenport, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Under Beijing’s latest five-year conservation blueprint, the demand for sand-fixing technology that is both long-lasting and ecologically benign has reached a fever pitch. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

This strategy, focusing on authenticity over competing with modern facilities, has created a sustainable economic engine, funding improvements and offering a blueprint for preserving historic sports venues. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The company also managed to ship the blueprints for Schlumberger’s many inventions to Texas, for safekeeping, out of German hands. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for blueprint

• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• lint

Kids Definition

blueprint

1 of 2 noun

blue·​print

ˈblü-ˌprint

1

: a photographic print made with white lines on a blue background and used especially for copying mechanical drawings, maps, and architects' plans

2

: a detailed plan or program of action

blueprint

2 of 2 verb

: to make a blueprint of or for