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.
But the program is already starting to face some backlash over concerns the guardrails go too far. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026 Kelly, who built her reputation in a system defined by editorial constraints and institutional guardrails, now operates in one where those limits are largely absent. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026 Klapper says Learned Hand has extensive guardrails to prevent the AI from inventing precedents and making other major mistakes. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 In truth, Sadek says, nobody really knows how to build guardrails that work. Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 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 21 Mar. 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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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