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

I’d hoped that authoring a guideline to movie theater etiquette at the start of 2025 might put enough determined energy into the universe to halt bad theater behavior once and for all.

From Salon

Michaud said the U.S. has its own scientific institutions and experts who are capable of reviewing evidence and developing guidelines specific for the country.

From Salon

However, Milton emphasized that changes to global infection-control guidelines require strong evidence from randomized clinical trials like this one.

From Science Daily

Senior officers at the Met chose not to meet national guidelines amid a scramble to find more than 4,500 recruits.

From BBC

After administering infusions, Luminate nurses remain with patients to monitor them for the period of time directed by treatment guidelines, Hannon said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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