: 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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This work-around is more expensive and requires more technical know-how than accessing the model through DeepSeek’s app or website. Zeyi Yang, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025 Another decade on and still thriving—and now, luckily for Houstonians, with an office in the Woodlands—Plasencia is a pro with the experience and know-how to bring a contemporary home to life. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025 That kind of exercise empowers them with essential disaster-response skills, including fire safety and light search and rescue know-how. Vanessa Crossgrove Fry, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025 But there’s a difference between ability and know-how or execution. Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 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

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 11 Feb. 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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