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 New York Yankees become the first team in more than a quarter-century to win three straight World Series titles, beating the New York Mets 4-2.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • As their titles indicate, the two larger works, Le Jour and Le Nuit, are in dialogue with each other.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The old names, Rebecca Lobo and Ray Allen, Breanna Stewart and Rip Hamilton, Maya Moore and Kemba Walker, to name only a few, hang on banners along the walls.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Others held banners opposing the government’s military spending.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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