guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn How to pronounce guideline (audio)
: 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

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.
The longstanding guidelines may also accelerate the development process, or prevent builders from having to seek and negotiate one-off agreements for each project, Hay said. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2025 Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 Federal judges aren’t required to follow guidelines. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025 According to guidelines from the European Patent Office, clinical trial results can be critical to prior art, particularly when revealing unexpected or previously undisclosed therapeutic benefits. Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.

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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