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 added in the guideline that we shouldn’t sanction an editor just because they start overusing some words or speaking in what’s “seen” as an A.I.-like tone.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

In addition to statins, the guideline includes updated recommendations on other cholesterol-lowering therapies, including ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, and injectable PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

No major guideline recommends measuring endogenous GLP-1 levels before initiating treatment.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

This guideline also matters more during late-cycle markets, when valuations are elevated and volatility tends to increase.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026

And Justin, taking the thread with him as a guideline, went back to search for the other six.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien

Related Words

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