guidepost

[ gahyd-pohst ]

noun

1. a post, usually mounted on the roadside or at the intersection of two or more roads, bearing a sign for the guidance of travelers.
2. anything serving as a guide; guideline.

guidepost

/ ˈɡaɪdˌpəʊst /

noun

1. a sign on a post by a road indicating directions
2. a principle or guideline

Word History and Origins

Origin of guidepost¹

First recorded in 1755–65; guide + post ¹

Example Sentences

While the Court ruled on Thursday that Arizona’s policies did not violate Section 2, it declined to announce an official test for all future cases, instead identifying “guideposts” for courts to use going forward.

From Time

While the court made a point of saying it was not establishing a test to govern all Voting Rights Act Section 2 cases, these guideposts are essentially a template for future courts to follow when ruling in voting-rights cases.

From FiveThirtyEight

Crucially, the court also identified “guideposts” for interpreting Section 2 that it used to arrive at its decision.

From FiveThirtyEight

The lack of details or clear guideposts about when schools will reopen has frustrated parents and government leaders across the state.

From Voice of San Diego

If Vegas can be used as a guidepost, defense will matter — but not exactly in the way you might think.

From FiveThirtyEight

President Obama has more than once cited the theory of just and unjust wars as the proper guidepost for the use of force abroad.

From The Daily Beast

With a snort of disgust he hurled the deceitful guidepost into the ditch and joined the others.

From Project Gutenberg

All language can achieve is to act as a guidepost to the imagination enabling the reader to recreate the author's insight.

From Project Gutenberg

Peter blazed so that he seemed to tower like a long thin guidepost showing the way to anger.

From Project Gutenberg

About half a mile from the town a guidepost and two roads, to Edinburgh and Glasgow; we took the left-hand road, to Glasgow.

From Project Gutenberg

“Another guidepost to remember,” said Uncle 57 Teddy, and made them jot it down.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• emblem
• logo
• notice
• placard
• proof
• type
• warning