blueprint

noun

blue·​print ˈblü-ˌprint How to pronounce blueprint (audio)
plural blueprints
1
: a photographic print in white on a bright blue ground or blue on a white ground used especially for copying maps, mechanical drawings, and architects' plans
2
: something or someone resembling a blueprint (as in serving as a model or providing guidance)
… few foundations have taken a similar [investing] route, so there was no blueprint to follow.Paul Sullivan
He was an anomaly to the rap world when he arrived, but today he is the blueprint for a generation.Jeff Ihaza
especially : a detailed plan or program of action
a blueprint for success
blueprint transitive verb
blueprinted; blueprinting; blueprints
It was not something blueprinted from the start or based on a French bistro archetype; it's a restaurant that has grown and evolved … Ian McNulty

Examples of blueprint in a Sentence

a blueprint for reforming the public school system an ambitious young man with a remarkably detailed blueprint for becoming a millionaire by the age of 25
Recent Examples on the Web Some practitioners overlay the bagua onto the blueprint of an entire home, the top row justified with the southern side of the building, while others employ it room by room. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Macy's, which rejected their earlier offer in January, last week unveiled its own blueprint for revitalizing its struggling business, with its plans including closing 150 underperforming stores over the next three years. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2024 McCollum's narrative provides a blueprint for addressing this ubiquitous obstacle, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment that encourages women to question their inner critic and embrace their potential as leaders. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Many European states have embraced the unified Arab blueprint, though Washington is further apart, said two of the officials. Sam Dagher, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024 The blueprint Mercedes laid out three years ago predicted that half the vehicles the company sold would be electrified, meaning EVs or hybrids, by 2025. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2024 Other states who are prioritizing the reskilling and upskilling of people over the age of 25 as a core element of meeting their economic goals should look to Michigan’s joint focus on adult access and success as a blueprint for a more comprehensive and effective way to build a stronger workforce. Matt Gandal, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The milestone action clears the way for consideration by the California Coastal Commission, which has the final say on whether the plan becomes the legal blueprint for the bay. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 The revised blueprint, Dye said, tried to accommodate some of the concerns voiced by residents during a discussion several weeks earlier, namely high-density residences, truck traffic, and the would-be warehouse’s proximity to the school. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blueprint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blueprint was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near blueprint

Cite this Entry

“Blueprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blueprint. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

blueprint

1 of 2 noun
blue·​print
ˈblü-ˌprint
1
: a photographic print made with white lines on a blue background and used especially for copying mechanical drawings, maps, and architects' plans
2
: a detailed plan or program of action

blueprint

2 of 2 verb
: to make a blueprint of or for

More from Merriam-Webster on blueprint

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