: 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
Residents are referred into the program and, if accepted, must abide by a number of guidelines, which include living alone, attending school or working, and paying rent.
—
Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Follow the care label guidelines or wash with your regular laundry detergent, cool or warm water, and dry on low heat.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025
The accords, established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries, set forth nonbinding principles and guidelines for peaceful space exploration, the use of space resources, the preservation of space heritage, interoperability, and the sharing of scientific data.
—Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025
There are no official dietary guidelines for how much fish oil one should consume daily to reap health benefits.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guideline
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Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Follow the care label guidelines or wash with your regular laundry detergent, cool or warm water, and dry on low heat.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025
The accords, established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries, set forth nonbinding principles and guidelines for peaceful space exploration, the use of space resources, the preservation of space heritage, interoperability, and the sharing of scientific data.
—Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025
There are no official dietary guidelines for how much fish oil one should consume daily to reap health benefits.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 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 11 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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