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.
Some states have instituted requirements for websites with adult or pornographic content to verify visitors' age before granting access, although tech experts have pointed out VPNs can be used to get around those guardrails. Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025 The content has fueled criticism that OpenAI is once again moving faster than its own guardrails. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 While authenticity and accessibility are being explored and celebrated right now in sports, the leaders in these spheres are still grappling with the direction and guardrails that may need to be put in place to ensure that athletes and fans are both protected. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 The white Chevrolet Silverado, reported stolen earlier from the Flagstaff Police Department, veered onto a guardrail before flipping multiple times and crashing into a tree. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 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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