guardrail

noun

guard·​rail ˈgärd-ˌrāl How to pronounce guardrail (audio)
Synonyms of guardrailnext
: a railing guarding usually against danger
especially : a barrier placed along the edge of a highway at dangerous points

Examples of guardrail in a Sentence

the car ran off the road, but fortunately only hit the guardrail
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.
According to the organization, Sánchez’s administration has not only ushered in a slate of reforms but also erected guardrails against the country’s rising far-right movements. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 14 May 2026 The amendments would create guardrails to manage energy demand, or to modify existing incentive costs—mainly the money those states are forgoing in tax revenue to attract data center developers. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 14 May 2026 Senate Democrats yesterday outlined a range of proposals, including for education, consumer protection and data privacy, that could serve as guardrails to the technology. Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 If a facial recognition match can help send a grandmother to jail, what guardrails should every police department be forced to follow before someone loses their freedom? Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for guardrail

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guardrail was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guardrail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guardrail. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

guardrail

noun
guard·​rail ˈgär-ˌdrāl How to pronounce guardrail (audio)
: a protective railing placed along dangerous areas (as of a road)
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