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.
Everyone receives the same preparation: a rundown of gear, a walkthrough of the layout, safety guidelines, signals, and situational awareness. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 July 2025 However, the guidelines are for moderate hikes in medium temperatures, and extra water should be consumed on more difficult hikes or hotter days. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 Ford’s company statement uses careful language to describe its tax credit status, as the U.S. Department of the Treasury still needs to finalize implementation guidelines based on the congressional directive. The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 Online university programs have grown by the hundreds since 2011, when the Education Department released guidelines that allowed revenue sharing among universities and third-party course providers to proliferate, prompting backlash and scrutiny. Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 13 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on guideline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!