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

The party issued guidelines to avoid clothing, banners, campaign slogans or "expressions that constitute offense to opponents."

From Barron's

New research from Aarhus University suggests that the updated Nordic dietary guidelines, created to support both personal health and environmental sustainability, may help people live longer.

From Science Daily

Having had no ethical boundaries in his business and personal life, he saw no purpose in observing any such guidelines in government.

From Salon

Anthropic’s usage guidelines prohibit Claude from being used to facilitate violence, develop weapons or conduct surveillance.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the BBC has heard from many Parkinson's patients prescribed the drugs since those guidelines were introduced, who say they were not properly warned about the risks.

From BBC

Related Words

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