guideline

American  

[gahyd-lahyn] / ˈgaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. any guide or indication of a future course of action.

   guidelines on the government's future policy.

2. a lightly marked line used as a guide, as in composing a drawing, a typed page, or a line of lettering.

3. a rope or cord that serves to guide one's steps, especially over rocky terrain, through underground passages, etc.

4. a rope or wire used in guiding the movement of stage scenery or curtains being raised or lowered.

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guideline British  

/ ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a principle put forward to set standards or determine a course of action

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Etymology

Origin of guideline

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; guide + line ¹

Example Sentences

The guidelines further separate obesity into preclinical and clinical forms, with clinical obesity defined by obesity-related physical impairment or organ dysfunction.

From Science Daily

Shrubsole emphasized that magnesium intake in the study matched RDA guidelines and suggested that diet is the best way to increase magnesium levels.

From Science Daily

"With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was 'Unsatisfactory' as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point."

From BBC

Only one state, New York, actively regulates the business, requiring surrogacy agency owners to undergo a background check, demonstrate they follow screening guidelines and provide surrogates a document explaining their legal rights.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of those views is about Bobby Storey, a senior republican, whose funeral in 2020 made headlines after claims it broke lockdown guidelines.

From BBC

Related Words

• code
• ground rule
• guidance
• instruction
• protocol
• rule