noun
Uncommon
blueprint
BLOO-prihnt
Blueprint (noun) means a detailed technical drawing used for building or design, originally printed white-on-blue. Example: “The architect spread the blueprints across the table to explain the layout.”
noun
1
A detailed technical drawing used for building or design, originally printed white-on-blue.
"The architect spread the blueprints across the table to explain the layout."
2
A detailed plan for achieving something, whether literal or figurative.
"The report laid out a blueprint for reforming the tax system."
verb
1
To plan something out in careful detail.
"The team spent months blueprinting the new product launch."
How to use blueprint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA detailed technical drawing, or more generally, a step-by-step plan for how to achieve something.
Common pairings
blueprint for success
architectural blueprint
follow the blueprint
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Word forms
- Plural
- blueprints
- Third person singular
- blueprints
- Past tense
- blueprinted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The architect spread the _____ across the table to explain the layout.
Etymology
From "blue" + "print," named after an old photographic reproduction process invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “blueprint” mean?
The word “blueprint” means a detailed technical drawing used for building or design, originally printed white-on-blue. In plain terms, a detailed technical drawing, or more generally, a step-by-step plan for how to achieve something.
How do you pronounce “blueprint”?
“Blueprint” is pronounced BLOO-prihnt (/ˈbluːˌpɹɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “blueprint” in a sentence?
Here is “blueprint” used in a sentence: “The architect spread the blueprints across the table to explain the layout.”
What is another word for “blueprint”?
Words with a similar meaning to “blueprint” include road map, schematic, action plan and layout.
What part of speech is “blueprint”?
Depending on how it is used, “blueprint” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blueprint” come from?
The word “blueprint” dates back to around 1842. From "blue" + "print," named after an old photographic reproduction process invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842.
Is “blueprint” a common word?
“Blueprint” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “blueprint” have?
“Blueprint” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a detailed technical drawing used for building or design, originally printed white-on-blue.
