guide word

Definition of guide wordnext
as in title
either one of the words that are at the top of a page in a dictionary or similar book and that show the first and last words on the page It is easiest to use the guide words to find the page for the word you are looking up.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of guide word The Standing Rock movement’s guiding words, Mni Wiconi (water is life) meant more than clean water advocacy. — Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide word
Noun
  • The bookshelf in our king-bedroom suite featured a variety of titles - from coffee table books chronicling early twentieth-century Miami to art history books to beachy novels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In the meantime, 12 of MLB’s 30 teams will play for a World Series title.
    — Molly Geary, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Timing wasn’t on their side, as the motion picture group stacked dizzying losses for WBD this year (despite a banner 2025).
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Executives from French media and entertainment group Mediawan Group, whose production banner portfolio includes Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, were among the people on stage getting quizzed about the impact of mega-mergers.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide%20word. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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