: 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
Those guidelines support freedom of expression in news conferences and media interviews, provided those comments do not directly target individuals or groups.
—
Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Under the new guidelines, mail brought to a USPS store or dropped in a USPS box will not necessarily receive a postmark that same day.
—Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 9 Feb. 2026
How to build a ‘healthy plate’ CNN asked a dietitian to develop a meal plan based on the new US food guidelines.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
The past two Super Bowls are your guideline.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guideline
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Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Under the new guidelines, mail brought to a USPS store or dropped in a USPS box will not necessarily receive a postmark that same day.
—Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 9 Feb. 2026
How to build a ‘healthy plate’ CNN asked a dietitian to develop a meal plan based on the new US food guidelines.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
The past two Super Bowls are your guideline.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guideline
Cite this Entry
“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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