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Definition of guidepost

guidepost

/ˈɡaɪdˌpoʊst/
guide · post
Plural:guideposts
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guidepost Lexical Profile

guidepost Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A guiding principle, rule, or standard that helps direct a person's behavior, policy, or decision-making.

Example

"Historical precedents serve as an important guidepost for judges when ruling on complex constitutional cases."

2

A post alongside a road or trail bearing a sign that provides directions, distances, or location information for travelers.

Example

"The hikers relied on the weathered wooden guidepost at the crossroads to point them toward the mountain summit."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for guidepost

• Nearby Words

guidebook
guideless
guideline
guidepost
guideway
guideword
guild

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 18th century; formed as a compound of the words 'guide' and 'post'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Guidepost. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/guidepost
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