guideline

[gahyd-lahyn]

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.

guideline

/ ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of guideline¹

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

Example Sentences

The regulator said it continues to look at financial institutions’ adherence to guidelines on prudent underwriting standards and portfolio and account management standards.

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Rules and guidelines are still not finalized, but investors will likely see private-market offerings in employer-sponsored retirement plans within the next couple of years.

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For example, under the old guidelines, Airbus typically required an inspection and deep-clean after a fume event.

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And the association, he said during a public comment period of the meeting, had lost trust in the advisory panel, which sets guidelines for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Rules for how and under what guidelines pharmacists administer the Covid vaccine vary by state.

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Related Words

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