guide word: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “guide word” mean?
A word printed at the top of a page in a reference book (like a dictionary or thesaurus) to indicate the first or last entry on that page.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word printed at the top of a page in a reference book (like a dictionary or thesaurus) to indicate the first or last entry on that page.
A term used in information science to denote a prominent word or phrase that helps users navigate alphabetical or categorized lists; a key word used to organize and locate information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The hyphenation/spacing ('guideword' vs 'guide word') is variable in both dialects, with the spaced form being slightly more common in formal writing.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects. More likely encountered in publishing, library science, or education contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “guide word” in a Sentence
The guide word indicates [entry].[Dictionary] uses guide words for [navigation].Look at the guide word to find [the section].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in document design or manual creation.
Academic
Common in linguistics, library science, and publishing studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Most people would simply say "the word at the top of the page".
Technical
Standard term in lexicography, information architecture, and printing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guide word”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guide word”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guide word”
- Using 'guideword' as a verb (e.g., 'It guidewords the section').
- Confusing it with 'keyword' in digital search contexts, though they are related.
- Using plural 'guides word' instead of 'guide words'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('guide word'), though the hyphenated form 'guide-word' and the closed form 'guideword' are also seen, especially in technical publishing.
A headword (or lemma) is the main word being defined or discussed in an entry. A guide word is a navigational aid, usually a headword (or a shortened form of one) placed at the top of the page to show the page's content range.
No, they are used in any reference material organized alphabetically or thematically, such as thesauruses, indexes, directories, and some encyclopedias.
The traditional printed guide word is obsolete in purely digital, searchable formats. However, the conceptual function is replaced by features like alphabetical browsable lists, 'jump-to' menus, or dynamic filters.
A word printed at the top of a page in a reference book (like a dictionary or thesaurus) to indicate the first or last entry on that page.
Guide word is usually formal, technical in register.
Guide word: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡaɪd ˌwɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡaɪd ˌwɜːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GUIDE showing you the way; a GUIDE WORD guides your eye to the right page in a book.
Conceptual Metaphor
NAVIGATION IS GUIDANCE; INFORMATION IS A PLACE (guide words help you navigate to the right place in the information space).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a guide word?