guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn How to pronounce guideline (audio)
: 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

Examples of guideline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The higher the score, the better aligned with dietary guidelines. New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025 An age-old guideline is to irrigate out to the tips of the branches. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 Aug. 2025 As of this spring, less than a third of four- and five-year-old kindergarten rosters met the guideline Siemsen had proposed: 18 or fewer students. Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Methods that ranchers can currently use to control wolves include making loud noises to frighten them off, building fences to keep them out of pastureland and increasing the presence of humans on ranches at night as a deterrent, the state’s guidelines for non-lethal ways to control wolves say. Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guideline

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guideline was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

guideline

noun
guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn How to pronounce guideline (audio)
1
: a line by which one is guided
2
: an outline of standards for future policy or action

More from Merriam-Webster on guideline

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