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
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.
Another co-defendant, James Chenault -- who was classified as a career offender -- was sentenced to 210 months, close to the mid-range of his 188 to 235 month guideline recommendation. Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025 There is no blanket ban on highway widening, but state guidelines discourage it. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025 The panel also covered recent shifts in SBA lending guidelines, aimed partly at addressing rising loan defaults. Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Once the inquiry has been completed, Shawcross will advise whether the appointment process has followed certain guidelines. Simon Hughes, New York Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for guideline

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guideline was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on guideline

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!