guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn 

: 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

Begin by compiling your ideal customer profile, brand guidelines, and a detailed voice note outlining your actual process. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail. —Deidre Johnson, Denver Post, 25 May 2026

This included figuring out how to pay visiting scientists who had ignored all instructions and come with the wrong visa, or hiring summer help outside the allowable guidelines. —Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026

Equipment can fail; guidelines can break; visibility can become nigh on impossible. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for guideline

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

Kids 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