# guideline

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪn/ · frequency rank #20,944

## Definitions
1. A non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behaviour.
2. A plan or explanation to guide one in setting standards or determining a course of action.
3. A light line, used in lettering, to help align the text.

## Etymology
From guide + line.

## Easily confused with
- **guidelines** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/guideline-vs-guidelines)

## Common misspellings (12)
`gguideline`, `giudeline`, `gudieline`, `guiddeline`, `guideilne`, `guidelien`, `guidelinne`, `guidelline`, `guidelnie`, `guidleine`, `guiedline`, `ugideline`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/guideline