Wikihow

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

1. An online platform that provides step-by-step instructions and tutorials for a wide range of tasks and practical activities; a collaborative website where users can create and edit how-to guides; a source of user-generated advice aimed at helping people accomplish everyday challenges
2. A web-based resource offering detailed guidance and manuals on various subjects; a community-edited site focused on instructional content for accomplishing specific goals or projects; an internet hub for accessible, crowdsourced problem-solving advice
3. An internet encyclopedia specializing in how-to articles created and refined by its user base; a digital site where instructional content is shared across many topics to facilitate learning and task completion; a collaborative environment for disseminating practical knowledge through easily understood steps

Etymology: The term "wikihow" originates from the combination of two distinct elements: "wiki" and "how." The prefix "wiki" traces back to the Hawaiian word "wiki," meaning "quick." It was first popularized in the context of the internet by Ward Cunningham in 1995, who created the "WikiWikiWeb," an online platform designed for rapid and collaborative editing of content. This concept of a "wiki" as a user-editable website quickly spread to symbolize a digital space where information could be quickly shared and modified by anyone. The second element, "how," is a straightforward English interrogative word used to inquire about the manner or method of doing something. When paired with "wiki," it forms a compound that emphasizes a collaborative, quickly accessible collection of instructional content. This blend reflects the site’s mission: to provide easy-to-understand, user-generated guides on a wide array of topics. The creation of the site WikiHow in 2005 by Jack Herrick was a deliberate branding choice that leveraged the rising popularity of wikis and the appeal of straightforward, practical knowledge. By combining a Hawaiian term denoting speed with an English question word, the name encapsulates the essence of a community-driven resource focused on quickly disseminating practical advice. Over time, the term has become synonymous with the website itself, representing a distinctive model of crowdsourced instructional content. Unlike traditional encyclopedias, the emphasis here is on "how-to" knowledge, making the compound an apt reflection of its function and origin.

Synonyms: instructional website, how-to guide site