1
a
: one that leads or directs another's way
needed a guide for the safari
b
: a person who exhibits and explains points of interest
The museum guide was very helpful.
c
: something that provides a person with guiding information
used the stars as a guide to find their way back
d
e
: a person who directs another's conduct or course of life
He was my mentor and guide during the early years of my career.
2
a
: a device for steadying or directing the motion of something
The jigsaw was equipped with a guide.
b
: a ring or loop for holding the line of a fishing rod in position
c
: a sheet or a card with projecting tab for labeling inserted in a card index to facilitate reference
3
: a member of a unit on whom the movements or alignments of a military command are regulated
—used especially in commands
guide right
guided; guiding
1
: to act as a guide to : direct in a way or course
He guided us around the city.
2
a
: to direct, supervise, or influence usually to a particular end
You'll need a lawyer to guide you through the legal system.
b
: to superintend the training or instruction of
A respected educator guided his studies.
: to act or work as a guide
guider
noun
Examples of guide in a Sentence
Noun
We hired a guide for our trip to the mountains.
He was my friend and my guide in the early years of my career.
They used the stars as a guide to find their way back.
If past experience is any guide, we're in for a long and difficult project.
Verb
He guided us around the city.
He claims that there were unknown forces guiding the outcome of the election.
He carefully guided the ship into the harbor.
She guided her team to victory.
Let your conscience guide you.
Her example helped to guide me toward a career in medicine.
In his work, he has always been guided by a desire to help other people.
programs to help guide teenagers away from drug use
She had a guiding influence on my decision.
His guiding principle when he built his house was that bigger was better.
Recent Examples on the Web
Data Skrive, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Nordstrom dropped their holiday gift guide, which includes a Rebecca Minkoff purse and Land’s End loafers — both on sale now.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
For Jean, that truth guided her healing.
—Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Noun
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
—Data Skrive, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Nordstrom dropped their holiday gift guide, which includes a Rebecca Minkoff purse and Land’s End loafers — both on sale now.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Advocates say historic status will guide responsible growth and sustainable development and attract investment while preserving neighborhood character and increasing property values.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
For Jean, that truth guided her healing.
—Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guide
Cite this Entry
“Guide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guide. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
guide
1 of 2 noun1
a
: one that leads or directs another on a course
b
: a person who shows and explains points of interest (as on a tour)
c
: something that provides guiding information
a street guide
2
: a device for steadying or directing the motion of something
guide
2 of 2 verb
guided; guiding
1
: to act as a guide : conduct
guide a group on a tour
2
a
: manage sense 1, direct
guide a boat through the rapids
guidable
adjective
ˈgīd-ə-bəl
Medical Definition
guide
noun
: a grooved director for a surgical probe or knife
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