: 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
Provide guidelines for content, visuals, and talking points.
—
Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
In March, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued guidelines to VA hospitals saying that the system would phase out treatment for gender dysphoria, the official diagnosis given to some people who identify as transgender.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Most of the three-story townhomes will be sold at market rates, and 10% will be reserved for buyers who qualify under affordable housing guidelines.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025
Properties purchased under the 502 direct loan program are supposed to be the borrower’s permanent residence and not meant to generate income, according to USDA guidelines.
—ProPublica, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for guideline
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Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
In March, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued guidelines to VA hospitals saying that the system would phase out treatment for gender dysphoria, the official diagnosis given to some people who identify as transgender.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Most of the three-story townhomes will be sold at market rates, and 10% will be reserved for buyers who qualify under affordable housing guidelines.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025
Properties purchased under the 502 direct loan program are supposed to be the borrower’s permanent residence and not meant to generate income, according to USDA guidelines.
—ProPublica, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for guideline
Cite this Entry
“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
guideline
noun
guide·line
ˈgīd-ˌlīn 
1
: a line by which one is guided
2
: an outline of standards for future policy or action
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