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

Following the BBC investigation into so-called nightlife videos, YouTube removed two accounts and said it "rigorously enforces" its community guidelines.

From BBC

Overall, the findings align closely with existing international clinical guidelines.

From Science Daily

Some wealthy countries are supporting renewable growth, with Japan seeking to revise wind auction guidelines and Britain boosting investment.

From Barron's

The BBC asked every ambulance trust in the UK if they followed these guidelines - only Scotland and the Isle of Wight said that they did.

From BBC

In 2000, the US declared measles eradicated, meaning “no locally transmitted measles infections or outbreaks lasting 12 months or longer,” per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

From Salon

Related Words

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