guardrail

noun

guard·​rail ˈgärd-ˌrāl How to pronounce guardrail (audio)
: 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.
Recreations of railroad crossings and road signs and a guardrail prop added to the Texas-by-way-of-Hollywood vibe. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 The legislature voted again to extend the guardrails for five years until June 30, 2028 but can be stopped by lawmakers after that date. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2025 But there were a few unspoken guardrails, as scouts echoed, to bring in UDFAs for Payton. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 May 2025 The nonprofit said the parents are using larger sticks as outer guardrails and training aids before their babies will be ready to soar. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 May 2025 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 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

guardrail

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