Search Dictionary
Definition of guideline
guideline
/ˈɡaɪd.laɪn/
guide · line
Plural:guidelines
guideline Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
guideline Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A general rule, principle, or piece of advice setting out how something should be done or what action should be taken.
Example
"The health department issued a new set of strict guidelines for restaurant sanitization."
2
A literal line, cord, or rope by which a person is guided, especially in surveying, diving, or traversing dangerous paths.
Example
"The rescue divers relied on a brightly colored guideline to find their way out of the underwater cave."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for guideline• Rhymes for guideline
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originally formed in the late 18th century as a literal term for a rope or cord used to guide someone over difficult terrain. By the mid-20th century, it took on its modern abstract meaning of a rule or principle setting out a course of action.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Guideline. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/guideline