how-to

US: (hou′to̅o̅′)

Inflections of 'how-to' (n): npl: how-tos

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈhow-ˈto,  adj., n., pl. -tos. 
adj. [before a noun]

1. giving basic instructions to the nonexpert for doing or making something:
   a how-to book on photography.

n. [countable]

2. the guidelines for doing something:
   the how-tos of gardening.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

how-to  (hou′to̅o̅′), adj., n., pl. -tos. 
adj. 

1. giving or pertaining to basic instructions and directions to the layperson on the methods for doing or making something, esp. as a hobby or for practical use:
   a how-to book on photography.

n. 

2. a set of step-by-step instructions for accomplishing a certain task or reaching a certain objective:
   a how-to for fixing a leaky faucet.
3. the basic principles or approach for doing something:
   the how-to of investing in the stock market.

• 1925–30

how′-to′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

how-to adjective

1. (of a book or guide) giving basic instructions to the lay person on how to do or make something, esp as a hobby or for practical purposes: a how-to book on carpentry