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

Here’s a simple guideline: Full-sun lawns grow well with 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per growing season, while shade lawns need only 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per growing season. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025

As JPMorgan’s advisors note, a common guideline is to keep any single stock to no more than 10-20% of your portfolio to avoid this kind of concentrated risk. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Variable estrogen levels impact mood, says Dr. Maki, who co-authored the first guidelines to identify and treat depression in perimenopause. —Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025

To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail. —Allen Best, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for guideline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

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