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 Scanning of several parts of the historical residence, including the façade, the library and a patio, was carried out this week according to the initial guidelines that are being established, Mejide explained. Ed Meza, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 The Bureau of Reclamation started work on its emergency amendment to shortage-sharing guidelines when Lake Mead and Lake Powell were emptying at an alarming rate after two decades of drought. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024 Once taken there, the youths were cut off from the outside world, forced to adhere to strange guidelines and in some instances, allegedly, physically abused, beginning with the strip search to which they were subjected on arrival. Brian Lowry, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail. The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2024 Sweden originated the concept more than a quarter-century ago, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted Hoboken in 2022 when announcing his department would follow Vision Zero guidelines. Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2024 Oregon and California recently lowered isolation guidelines from five days to only one day if symptoms had improved and the person hadn’t had a fever for 24 hours. Judy Stone, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 In 2022, the CDC published clinical practice guidelines for healthcare providers that treat acute, subacute and chronic pain. Omer Awan, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Remember to bring the essential items: a valid form of ID, your confirmation number, and, given current health guidelines, a medical or cloth mask. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'guideline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guideline was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near guideline

Cite this Entry

“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!