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

So there's really no choice but for the four major conference commissioners to compile a set of rules and guidelines that make at least a marginal bit of sense. —Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026

Federal prosecutors sought a sentence of roughly 30 years, consistent with sentencing guidelines. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026

The guidelines, issued by HHS and the Department of Agriculture, provide Americans with dietary advice to promote health and prevent disease. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026

The new guidelines roll back previous recommendations to limit alcohol to 1 drink or less per day for women and 2 drinks or less per day for men. —Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for guideline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

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