: 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
Biden's campaign pushed for strict guidelines for the two one-on-one debates that the two major party presidential candidates agreed to, including no live audience during the June 27 showdown on CNN and shutting off microphones if a candidate goes over time.
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Sarah Gleason, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024
The charges carry a potential penalty of life in prison based on a federal judge’s application of U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors, the statement said.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for guideline 
Sarah Gleason, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024
The charges carry a potential penalty of life in prison based on a federal judge’s application of U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors, the statement said.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for guideline
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'guideline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near guideline
Cite this Entry
“Guideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guideline. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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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