guide word

noun

: either of the terms at the head of a page of an alphabetical reference work (such as a dictionary) indicating the alphabetically first and last words on the page

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

guide word

noun

: either of the terms at the head of a page of an alphabetical reference work (as a dictionary) indicating the alphabetically first and last entries on the page