guide word

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 Dodgers are looking to become baseball's first back-to-back champions in a quarter-century, as the Blue Jays hope to win their first World Series title since 1993.
    Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • After his 21 goals had helped steer John Mousinho’s side to the League One title the previous season, Bishop reported for pre-season in high spirits and in peak physical shape ahead of his first campaign in the Championship.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Supporters of Poland’s anti-choice Law and Justice party (PiS) have written to Gibson’s Icon Productions banner in protest of her casting, according to Variety, citing Polish media outlets.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The new banner will cover film and TV, and span scripted and docs.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025

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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. 2025.

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