guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn 

: a line by which one is guided: such as

a

: a cord or rope to aid a passer over a difficult point or to permit retracing a course

b

: an indication or outline of policy or conduct

Examples of guideline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With that being said, most states have guidelines that require restaurants to disclose mandatory gratuities as well as service charges prior to someone dining at their establishment. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

Driving the news: The order calls on HHS and the Education Department to develop guidelines to end COVID vaccine mandates, report on institutions that don't comply and develop a system to cut off federal funding. —Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025

Johnson released new guidelines for reporting gifts Wednesday after discrediting the investigation. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

Earlier this month, the AAA publicized new due process guidelines for arbitration involving NIL disputes. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

guideline

noun

guide·​line ˈgīd-ˌlīn 

1

: a line by which one is guided

2

: an outline of standards for future policy or action