: 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
This policy flies in the face of the Constitution, legal precedent and Homeland Security's own guidelines.
—
Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Please read the guidelines before participating.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
With them, come a host of new guidelines and laws that companies have to comply with, quickly.
—Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
As restaurants slowly reopened, with guidelines and limitations, George’s set up a tent outside and welcomed customers to dine al fresco or inside, with limited seating.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2026
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Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Please read the guidelines before participating.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
With them, come a host of new guidelines and laws that companies have to comply with, quickly.
—Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
As restaurants slowly reopened, with guidelines and limitations, George’s set up a tent outside and welcomed customers to dine al fresco or inside, with limited seating.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 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 18 Feb. 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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