First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1guide
noun \ˈgīd\
: a person who leads or directs other people on a journey
: a person who shows and explains the interesting things in a place
: a person who helps to direct another person's behavior, life, career, etc.
Full Definition of GUIDE
1
2
a : a device for steadying or directing the motion of something b : a ring or loop for holding the line of a fishing rod in position c : a sheet or a card with projecting tab for labeling inserted in a card index to facilitate reference
3
: a member of a unit on whom the movements or alignments of a military command are regulated —used especially in commands <guide right>
See guide defined for English-language learners
See guide defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GUIDE
Middle English gide, guide, from Anglo-French, from Old Occitan guida, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wītan to look after, witan to know — more at wit
2guide
verb
: to direct or lead (someone)
: to direct or control the path or course of (something)
: to direct or influence the thoughts or behavior of (someone)
guid·edguid·ing
Full Definition of GUIDE
transitive verb
1
: to act as a guide to : direct in a way or course
2
a : to direct, supervise, or influence usually to a particular end b : to superintend the training or instruction of
intransitive verb
: to act or work as a guide
— guid·er noun
See guide defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GUIDE
14th century
Related to GUIDE
Synonym Discussion of GUIDE
guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.
GUIDE Defined for Kids
1guide
noun \ˈgīd\
Definition of GUIDE for Kids
: someone or something (as a book) that leads, directs, or shows the right way
2guide
verb
guid·edguid·ing
Definition of GUIDE for Kids
1
: to show the way to <She'll guide you on your tour.>
2
: to direct or control the course of <The coach guided the team to victory.>
Medical Dictionary
guide
noun \ˈgīd\
Medical Definition of GUIDE
: a grooved director for a surgical probe or knife
Learn More About GUIDE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: guideboardPrevious Word in the Dictionary: guidanceAll Words Near: guide
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up guide? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).