go-to

[ goh-too ]

noun

1. a reliable person or thing one turns to as a preferred resource, strategy, option, etc.:

   She’s our go-to for computer advice.

   This dish is my go-to when I need something quick for a potluck.

2. a person’s standard way of behaving or responding; reflex:

   He’s not trying to impress you—that courtly politeness is his go-to with everybody.

adjective

1. relied on and turned to as a preferred resource, strategy, option, etc., for a particular purpose:

   She’s been the team’s go-to penalty kicker all season.

   This is my go-to dictionary.

2. being a person’s standard way of behaving or responding; usual or habitual:

   When I tell them to get off the computer, their go-to excuse is that they need it for homework.

go to

verb

1. to be awarded to

   the Nobel prize last year went to a Scot

2. go to it
   to tackle a task vigorously

interjection

1. archaic.
   an exclamation expressing surprise, encouragement, etc

adjective

1. 1. (of a person) extremely dependable

      the go-to guy in the team

   2. (of a place) popularly visited

      go-to destinations

Word History and Origins

Origin of go-to¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

One of the other skaters did some artwork on mine, but Sk8 Fanatics are the go-to.

From Los Angeles Times

The original dinner in Melbourne still meets once a month at Cam’s Kiosk, a beloved neighborhood go-to for wine and a two-course dinner.

From Salon

When I ask Jay if he thinks he’s the go-to sex comedian right now, he laughs.

From Los Angeles Times

In college, I once overheard a friend order a sandwich in the dining hall that would soon become my go-to for months: chicken cutlets, Muenster, pesto and mayonnaise on a hard roll.

From Salon

Five years later, the boards went viral on social media after food blogger Justine Doiron shared her go-to recipe for smooshed butter on TikTok.

From Salon

Related Words

• approach
• attain
• contact
• end
• go
• join
• lead
• make
• pass
• stand
• strike