guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn 

: 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

The current cardiology guidelines recommend imaging the aorta in the first-degree relatives of anyone with thoracic aortic disease. — Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026

The Kennedy Center said in a statement that its contractual arrangement with regard to the columns had been made in full cooperation with Small Business Administration guidelines. — News Desk, Artforum, 13 July 2026

The poor outlook for water supplies along the Colorado River system underscores the need for new operating guidelines, Soeth said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026

Despite those guidelines, neither institution intervened, asked basic questions, or paused transactions long enough to verify what was happening. — Ari Maas, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for guideline

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

Kids Definition

guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn 

1

: a line by which one is guided

2

: an outline of standards for future policy or action