guide
gyd
Guide (noun) means a person who shows others around a place or leads them along a route, especially one hired for the purpose. Example: “The guide told us stories about the old castle as we walked around.”
noun
1
A person who shows others around a place or leads them along a route, especially one hired for the purpose.
"The guide told us stories about the old castle as we walked around."
"Our tour guide pointed out the oldest buildings in the city."
"The mountain guide led the climbers safely to the summit."
2
A book or document that gives instructions or information on a subject.
"This beginner's guide to cooking explains each step with clear pictures."
"The online guide shows you how to set up your new phone."
"She bought a travel guide before her trip to Japan."
3
A sign, marking, or device that helps direct movement, machinery, or attention.
"A white line on the floor acts as a guide for the queue."
"The machine has a metal guide that keeps the paper straight."
"The dotted line on the map serves as a guide for the trail."
verb
1
To lead, direct, or show someone the way.
"The lighthouse guided the ships safely past the rocks at night."
"He guided the tourists through the narrow alleys of the old town."
"A good manager guides new employees without micromanaging them."
How to use guide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something that shows the way, whether a person leading a tour or a book explaining how to do something.
Common pairings
tour guide
field guide
guide someone through
guiding hand
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Word forms
- Plural
- guides
- Third person singular
- guides
- Past tense
- guided
- Archaic forms
- guidest, guidedst, guideth
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The _____ told us stories about the old castle as we walked around.
Etymology
From Middle English guide, via Old French guider and Old Occitan guidar, ultimately from a Frankish word meaning "to show the way."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for guide
See all rhymes for guide →Frequently asked questions
What does “guide” mean?
The word “guide” means a person who shows others around a place or leads them along a route, especially one hired for the purpose. In plain terms, someone or something that shows the way, whether a person leading a tour or a book explaining how to do something.
How do you pronounce “guide”?
“Guide” is pronounced gyd (/ɡaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “guide” in a sentence?
Here is “guide” used in a sentence: “Our tour guide pointed out the oldest buildings in the city.”
What is another word for “guide”?
Words with a similar meaning to “guide” include interpreter.
What part of speech is “guide”?
Depending on how it is used, “guide” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “guide” come from?
The word “guide” comes from Old French. From Middle English guide, via Old French guider and Old Occitan guidar, ultimately from a Frankish word meaning "to show the way.".
Is “guide” a common word?
“Guide” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “guide” have?
“Guide” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who shows others around a place or leads them along a route, especially one hired for the purpose.
What are the other meanings of guide?
Besides a person who leads others, guide can mean a book or document that gives information or instructions, like a travel guide or user guide. As a verb it means to direct or influence, as in guiding a decision. There are also physical guides, parts that keep something moving in the right direction.
What is the difference between a guide and a tour guide?
A guide is anyone who shows others around or leads them along a route. A tour guide is a specific kind of guide who leads organised tours, explaining the history and features of places to visitors, usually as a paid job. Every tour guide is a guide, but a guide is not always leading a tour.
What makes a good tour guide?
A good guide combines knowledge with people skills. They know the place and its history well, tell engaging stories, and answer questions clearly. Just as important, they are friendly, patient, organised, and mindful of safety and timing. The best guides make visitors feel welcome while helping them see and understand more.
What is the difference between a guide and a mentor?
A guide leads people through a place or route, showing the way in a practical, often short-term sense. A mentor guides someone's growth over time, offering advice and support in life, study, or work. Both point the way, but a guide shows a path, while a mentor helps shape a person.
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