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

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

These are the athlete expression guidelines, external, determined in 2023 and which have been codified into Olympic law.

From BBC

However, Harabedian said that most of the contracts and guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — the government-sponsored organizations that hold or guarantee the majority of U.S. mortgages — do not bar loan deferrals.

From Los Angeles Times

The IOC said that its guidelines on athlete expression were the result of a global consultation in 2021 with 3,500 athletes from around the world.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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