Standard Lemma guide

go-to

adj · noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˈɡoʊˌtu/

1

adj

Meaning 1

Desired; desirable; of choice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • Cheesecake is my go-to food whenever I feel down.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: must-see, destination

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Reliable; likely to perform in difficult circumstances.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • Smith is your go-to person if you want lasting results.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: clutch

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A person or thing that is one’s usual choice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Going for a drink after work is usually my go-to.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A univerbation of go + to. Compare typologically convenient, Russian подходя́щий (podxodjáščij) (<~ ходи́ть (xodítʹ)).

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: suosikki- — desired, desirable, of choice
  • Spanish: predilecto — desired, desirable, of choice
  • Spanish: imprescindible — desired, desirable, of choice
  • Spanish: factótum — usual choice
  • Spanish: privanza — usual choice