: 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
new guidelines on nutrition
Examples of guideline in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As part of the pledge, Nicklaus agreed to spend at least 5% of its yearly food and drink budget on nutritious, whole foods from Florida farmers that align with the federal dietary guidelines, with a promise to increase that amount every year by 1% going forward.
—
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
The guidelines quickly drew condemnation from advocates and civil rights groups, who pointed out those guidelines allow judges to exclude members of the public from a remote-only hearing — effectively placing proceedings behind closed doors.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
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.
—Michael Hancock, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Documents backing the guidelines advise pregnant women to eat folate-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, beans and lentils.
—CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
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Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
The guidelines quickly drew condemnation from advocates and civil rights groups, who pointed out those guidelines allow judges to exclude members of the public from a remote-only hearing — effectively placing proceedings behind closed doors.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
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.
—Michael Hancock, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Documents backing the guidelines advise pregnant women to eat folate-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, beans and lentils.
—CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guideline
Cite this Entry
“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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