: 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 American Animal Hospital Association and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association issue the nation’s standard vaccination guidelines.
—
Henry I. Miller, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
Sentencing guidelines also recommend a fine of up to $9,500, forfeitures up to $3,174, and additional restitution to be determined by the judge.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025
Most on-site restaurants welcome children, though age guidelines vary.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
Federal courts have previously declined to release the grand jury testimony, citing legal guidelines on the secrecy of such proceedings, and there is no indication a judge would make a different ruling in this case.
—Naftali Bendavid The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 24 Nov. 2025
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Henry I. Miller, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
Sentencing guidelines also recommend a fine of up to $9,500, forfeitures up to $3,174, and additional restitution to be determined by the judge.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025
Most on-site restaurants welcome children, though age guidelines vary.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
Federal courts have previously declined to release the grand jury testimony, citing legal guidelines on the secrecy of such proceedings, and there is no indication a judge would make a different ruling in this case.
—Naftali Bendavid The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guideline
Cite this Entry
“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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