blueprint

noun

blue·​print ˈblü-ˌprint 

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

Synonyms

• arrangement
• design
• game
• game plan
• ground plan
• master plan
• plan
• program
• project
• road map
• scheme
• strategy
• system

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

Holmes’ outfit is truly my fall blueprint from here on out. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2024

An overall product strategy blueprint can identify customer segmentation, market value estimation, and prioritization. —Aparna Sinha, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

Project 2025 is a 920-page policy blueprint that contains far-right plans for how The Heritage Foundation could change the face of American government if Trump were to be elected to a second term. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 24 Sep. 2024

Clarke’s leadership is a blueprint for what the future of professional sports can look like—one where Black women aren’t just part of the conversation but are leading it. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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