guidance

American  

[gahyd-ns] / ˈgaɪd ns /

noun

1. the act or function of guiding; leadership; direction.

   Synonyms:

   government, control, supervision, conduct, management

2. advice or counseling, especially that provided for students choosing a course of study or preparing for a vocation.

3. supervised care or assistance, especially therapeutic help in the treatment of minor emotional disturbances.

4. something that guides.

5. the process by which the flight of a missile or rocket may be altered in speed and direction in response to controls situated either wholly in the projectile or partly at a base.

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guidance British  

/ ˈɡaɪdəns /

noun

1. leadership, instruction, or direction

2. 1. counselling or advice on educational, vocational, or psychological matters

   2. ( as modifier )

      the marriage-guidance counsellor

3. something that guides

4. any process by which the flight path of a missile is controlled in flight See also guided missile

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Other Word Forms

• nonguidance
  noun
• preguidance
  noun
• self-guidance
  noun

Etymology

Origin of guidance

First recorded in 1765–75; guide + -ance

Explanation

Guidance can mean steering (like the navigation system in a satellite) or the act of providing direction (like a guidance counselor does). Back in the 1530s, guidance started out meaning "the process of directing conduct," similar to what we think of when we think of parents, mentors, or counselors. If you've ever asked a friend for advice on what to wear, you were seeking their guidance. But guidance also applies to physical direction. We might use a global positioning system (GPS) for guidance when we drive. Years ago, sailors relied on the stars for guidance. Sherpas provide guidance to climbers hiking Mt. Everest so they don't get lost.

Example Sentences

“Please continue to follow guidance from emergency officials,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Increasingly, the guidance focuses on how to tell the government they are ready to leave.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

The findings provide practical guidance for the mango industry and cold-chain logistics systems.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

Nvidia had another record quarter, beating on earnings and guidance, but shares fell.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

I felt them around me, watching and supporting, waiting for me to call on them for guidance.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

Related Words

• advice
• direction
• instruction
• intelligence
• leadership
• management
• navigation
• supervision
• teaching