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

Examples of know-how in a Sentence

you'll gain some practical know-how in this auto mechanics class
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Every pilot, however small, builds confidence and technical know-how for future expansion. Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Capital combined with client introductions, regulatory know-how, or industry access can support growth in ways a pure check often doesn’t. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 In the upscale furniture and lighting business, demand is also high for the know-how housed in some of these smaller companies. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025 Advertisement As of today, more than half of these strategic minerals face some sort of export restriction or control, whether on the minerals themselves or the know-how that allows them to be incorporated into finished products. Fatih Birol, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for know-how

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of know-how was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Know-how.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-how. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

know-how

noun
ˈnō-ˌhau̇
: knowledge of how to get things done : expertise

More from Merriam-Webster on know-how

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!