: 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
Download your airline apps, keep all your booking information handy, check TSA guidelines and arrive at least two hours early.
—
Jessica Riley, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
The pair’s guidelines for what makes a record fit each season are hazy (and often based on personal associations), but their passion and musical know-how help the conversation transcend what may seem like an argument about an arbitrary classification.
—Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
The treatment is intensive, comprehensive therapy that can include 30-40 hours of direct treatment per week, while more limited therapy may still consist of 10-25 hours per week, according to guidelines released by the Council.
—Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025
Among the documents demanded from the Smithsonian are descriptions of current exhibitions; programming files related to the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary; and draft plans for future shows and internal guidelines regarding exhibition development.
—News Desk, Artforum, 23 Dec. 2025
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Jessica Riley, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
The pair’s guidelines for what makes a record fit each season are hazy (and often based on personal associations), but their passion and musical know-how help the conversation transcend what may seem like an argument about an arbitrary classification.
—Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
The treatment is intensive, comprehensive therapy that can include 30-40 hours of direct treatment per week, while more limited therapy may still consist of 10-25 hours per week, according to guidelines released by the Council.
—Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025
Among the documents demanded from the Smithsonian are descriptions of current exhibitions; programming files related to the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary; and draft plans for future shows and internal guidelines regarding exhibition development.
—News Desk, Artforum, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guideline
Cite this Entry
“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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