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.
Audi, Lexus and other manufacturers offer similar guidelines. — Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026 County officials responsible for issuing building permits have been accused of failing to conduct adequate inspections to ensure developers comply with safety guidelines and construction standards. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 The Society for Integrative Oncology’s guidelines for Complementary Therapies and Botanicals, of which Cohen is himself a co-author, cover mainstream supportive care such as exercise, medical massage, biofeedback, and yoga. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026 As the landscape of lung cancer patients shifts to more nonsmokers — defined as people who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime — screening guidelines based on risk rather than smoking history could save more lives. — Meeri Kim, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 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

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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 27 Oct. 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

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