go-to

1 of 3

adjective

ˈgō-ˌtü 

1

informal : relied on and regularly turned to for expert knowledge, skill, or performance

the company's go-to guy

Brown became the go-to researcher for genetic conundrums.

—Brad Lemley

Nowadays, one running back will get almost all of the carries, one reliever will get nearly all of the saves. And in the NBA, the evidence is mounting that "go-to guys" are scoring an ever greater proportion of the points in any particular game.

—Steve Hirdt

2

informal : regularly or repeatedly chosen or employed for reliably good results

O'Neal's go-to move has become a soft jump hook, which he can shoot with either hand.

—Chris Ballard

While mozzarella may be the go-to cheese for pizza, … blue cheese … can also be great.

—Sam Gugino

A waitress came by and Reacher ordered his go-to breakfast, which was coffee plus a short stack of pancakes with eggs, bacon, and maple syrup.

—Lee Child

go-to

2 of 3

noun

plural go-tos also go-to's

: someone or something that is regularly or repeatedly chosen or employed for reliably good results

A neat pour of rye whiskey is usually my go-to after making cocktails all night; they have a great selection to choose from.

—Sarah Troxell

I would say I get my style inspiration definitely from like that old, Hollywood classic look. I love Audrey Hepburn—she's my go-to.

—Laura McKinney

… cable channels such as Animal Planet, National Geographic and, especially, HGTV have become the go-tos for most waiting rooms.

—Kevyn Burger

She styled four ultra-chic looks for the new season, combining both winter go-to's and some on-trend pieces for spring.

—GoodMorningAmerica.com

go to

3 of 3

verb

went to; gone to; going to; goes to

intransitive verb

1

archaic

—used interjectionally as an exhortation

and they said one to another, go to, let us make brick

—Genesis 11:3 (King James Version)

2

archaic

—used interjectionally to express disapproval or disbelief

go to, go to; you have known what you should not

—William Shakespeare

Examples of go-to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

During apple picking season, my go-to combo included the skirt, Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Crewneck Sweater, and loafers. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

The ballet flat aesthetic displayed on Thursday contrasted with Rodrigo’s go-to concert shoe look. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025

Noun

Starting in the summer of 2020, while the founder Joey Wong was pregnant, the brand has established itself as a go-to for trendy jewelry. —Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, 24 Mar. 2023

That the 240 seats at this restaurant are rarely bare is testament to its enduring popularity, particularly at lunchtime, when beautifully crafted dim sum are the go-to for foodies and the power-lunching set alike. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1984, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1997, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for go-to

• doto
• koto
• moto
• roto
• toto
• hashimoto
• telephoto