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

These included stronger congressional oversight, a 10-year term limit for FBI directors and investigative guidelines issued by the attorney general.

From Salon

The app says it removes nine out of 10 videos that violate its guidelines before they are ever viewed.

From BBC

The inquiry heard she had then spoken to the chief executive of PHE, who was "aghast" that this might be the case and described a set of guidelines which provided a framework for schools reopening.

From BBC

Federal judges ultimately decide on a final punishment and they have flexibility within guidelines - so the defence and prosecution will spend much of Friday arguing in court over Combs' sentence.

From BBC

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recognise that clinicians can exercise professional judgement appropriate to individual circumstances when offering treatment to patients.

From BBC

Related Words

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