guideline

[gahyd-lahyn]

See more synonyms for guideline on Thesaurus.com

noun

any guide or indication of a future course of action: guidelines on the government's future policy.
a lightly marked line used as a guide, as in composing a drawing, a typed page, or a line of lettering.
a rope or cord that serves to guide one's steps, especially over rocky terrain, through underground passages, etc.

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

Origin of guideline

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; guide + line¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for guideline

code, protocol, guidance, instruction, rule, signal, clue, precept, key, mark, guide, marker

Examples from the Web for guideline

Contemporary Examples of guideline

But I do know I would not read a guideline or listen to the screeching admonishments from across the political spectrum.
The Writhing, Miserable Reality of Force Feeding at Guantánamo Bay
Kent Sepkowitz
May 2, 2013
The similarities in the end of all three practices, Appiah hopes, compose a guideline by which honor can be tamed and harnessed.
Why We Still Need Honor
Ian Klaus
September 18, 2010

Historical Examples of guideline

Even with the help of the guideline it was often difficult enough to find our way.
The Voyage of the Vega round Asia and Europe, Volume I and Volume II
A.E. Nordenskieold
Attaching his suit to the guideline nearby, part of the rim's "hairnet," he crept out over the inside edge of the rim.
Where I Wasn't Going
Walt Richmond

British Dictionary definitions for guideline

guideline

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for guideline

1785, "line marked on a surface before cutting," from guide + line (n.). Meaning "rope for steering a hot-air balloon" is from 1846. In figurative use by 1948. Related: Guidelines.