: 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.
Eventually, European settlers brought their distilling know-how and the game of golf to North America, and both have flourished ever since. Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 The infrastructure and know-how for rearing the creatures needs to be beefed up. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025 That, in turn, reveals much of the makers’ know-how. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025 And for those keen to sharpen their botanical know-how, sign up for one of the garden’s many programs, from an introduction to ikebana to meditative botanical drawing classes. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Know-how.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-how. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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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