noun
guidelines
GYDE-lynz
Guidelines (noun) means a set of recommendations that tell people how something should be done, offering direction without the force of law. Example: “The guidelines suggest two hours of moderate exercise a week.”
noun
1
A set of recommendations that tell people how something should be done, offering direction without the force of law.
"The guidelines suggest two hours of moderate exercise a week."
"Submissions that ignore the style guidelines are returned unread."
2
The published rules that govern behaviour on a platform, in an organisation or within a profession, which members are expected to follow.
"The post was removed for breaching community guidelines."
"Clinical guidelines were updated after the trial results."
How to use guidelines
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAdvice on the right way to do something.
When to use it
Neutral; equally at home in medical, legal and everyday writing.
Memory tip
Guidance is uncountable advice in general; guidelines are the individual points it breaks down into.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
community guidelines
follow the guidelines
clinical guidelines
in line with guidelines
style guidelines
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like guidelines.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ suggest two hours of moderate exercise a week.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for guidelines
See all rhymes for guidelines →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between guidelines and rules?
Rules are binding and breaking them carries a penalty. Guidelines are advisory: they describe best practice and expect judgement in applying them. In practice, platforms often call their rules guidelines even though enforcement is strict.
Is guideline ever used in the singular?
Yes, but it is far less common. A single recommendation is a guideline; the plural is used most of the time because guidance normally arrives as a set.
What is the difference between guidelines and a policy?
A policy states an organisation's position and what is required. Guidelines explain how to meet it in practice. A policy might say data must be stored securely; the guidelines tell you which encryption to use.
What is the meaning of guidelines?
"guidelines" (noun) means a set of recommendations that tell people how something should be done, offering direction without the force of law.
