Guide Word (Noun)
Meaning
A word printed at the top of the page of a dictionary or other reference book to indicate the first or last item on that page.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The index listed the guide word "accommodate" for page 3 of the dictionary, indicating the first entry on that page.
- In a typical dictionary, a guide word is provided at the top of each page to help readers navigate and locate words quickly.
- The guide words "citrus" and "cypress" appeared at the top of page 527, marking the beginning and end of the entries on that page.
- By checking the guide word at the top of the page, users can quickly determine if the word they are looking for is likely to be on that page.
- The dictionary's layout included a guide word at the top of each page, which helped users to rapidly identify the words listed on that page.