guide word
noun
: either of the terms at the head of a page of an alphabetical reference work (such as a dictionary) indicating the alphabetically first and last words on the page
Examples of guide word in a Sentence
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The Standing Rock movement’s guiding words, Mni Wiconi (water is life) meant more than clean water advocacy.
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Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
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Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guide%20word. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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