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

Last year, formaldehyde was identified in an FAA-funded study as repeatedly exceeding occupational exposure guidelines even when low amounts of oil mixes into the air supply.

From The Wall Street Journal

The guidelines, maintained by the American Geriatrics Society and named the “Beers Criteria” after the doctor who first led their development, suggest some drugs should almost never be taken by older patients.

From The Wall Street Journal

A section on “failures” was renamed “primary challenges,” and an item saying that crews and leaders had violated national guidelines on how to avoid firefighter deaths and injuries was scratched.

From Los Angeles Times

For decades, senior American government officials visiting Russia would be briefed from a book of guidelines known as “Moscow Rules.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A review of the issues it raised was also published on Friday, and concluded that guidelines for BBC journalists on the use of editing should not be changed despite the Panorama row.

From BBC

Related Words

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