guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn How to pronounce guideline (audio)
Synonyms of guideline
: a line by which one is guided: such as
a
: a cord or rope to aid a passer over a difficult point or to permit retracing a course
b
: an indication or outline of policy or conduct
new guidelines on nutrition

Examples of guideline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But generally, some guidelines can help most people use an inhaler. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Bag the grass and dispose of it according to your local waste management guidelines. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail. — Tracy Stone-Manning, Denver Post, 6 July 2026 If the construction work will exceed the sound of a normal conversation, then contractors must adhere to guidelines set out by the city or county. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for guideline

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guideline was in 1785

Rhymes for guideline

See All Rhymes for guideline

Browse Nearby Words

guideless
guideline
guide meridian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

guideline

noun
guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn How to pronounce guideline (audio)
1
: a line by which one is guided
2
: an outline of standards for future policy or action

More from Merriam-Webster on guideline

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for guideline

Nglish: Translation of guideline for Spanish Speakers

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