guideline

[ gahyd-lahyn ]
/ ˈgaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

any guide or indication of a future course of action: guidelines on the government's future policy.
a lightly marked line used as a guide, as in composing a drawing, a typed page, or a line of lettering.
a rope or cord that serves to guide one's steps, especially over rocky terrain, through underground passages, etc.
a rope or wire used in guiding the movement of stage scenery or curtains being raised or lowered.

Origin of guideline

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; guide + line1

Example sentences from the Web for guideline

British Dictionary definitions for guideline

guideline
/ (ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn) /

noun

a principle put forward to set standards or determine a course of action