: 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
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Pentagon officials tried and failed to block the deal at the time, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, which cited worries that AMD had transferred crucial know-how that could aid China’s military and domestic semiconductor ambitions. Billy Perrigo, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024 Already, communities across the bay are arming themselves with legal know-how: forming volunteer groups to monitor for ICE, connecting immigrants to lawyers, and preparing contingency plans in case of deportation. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024 The Artisan Technician: A Fusion Of Skills Workers in the home service vertical are craftsmen who blend technical know-how with artistic insight. Steven Rogall, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Popular on Variety With a network of partners across the globe, the upside is also exponential in terms of sharing know-how and exchanging ideas. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 3 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near know-how

Cite this Entry

“Know-how.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-how. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

know-how

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

More from Merriam-Webster on know-how

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