know-how
Americannoun
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knowledge of how to do something; faculty or skill for a particular activity; expertise.
Designing a computer requires a lot of know-how.
noun
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ingenuity, aptitude, or skill; knack
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commercial and saleable knowledge of how to do a particular thing; experience
Etymology
Origin of know-how
1830–40, noun use of verb phrase know how
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He still has the ability; adding that to his know-how and the superb character of a man who was always highly popular with his England team-mates, I would put him in my squad.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
One of Davis’ greatest assets was his position as lieutenant governor; that currency — incumbency and government know-how — no longer trade at the same high value.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
In the agreement, facilitated by the Iranian company Sahara Thunder, Iran sought to transfer the technology, materials, and know-how needed External link to produce a variant of its now-infamous Shahed-136 drone inside Russia.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
Moreover, the conflict is becoming more drawn out, and even if it subsides there is a risk of an instable resolution where Iranian nuclear material and know-how leaks out to hostile groups around the Gulf.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026
I wouldn't have had the know-how to be a butler in those days.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.