guide

Meaning

Noun

1. Someone who guides, especially someone hired to show people around a place or an institution and offer information and explanation, or to lead them through dangerous terrain.
2. A document or book that offers information or instruction; guidebook.
3. A sign that guides people; guidepost.
4. Any marking or object that catches the eye to provide quick reference.
5. A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
6. A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
7. A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
8. A spirit believed to speak through a medium.
9. A member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.

Verb

1. To serve as a guide for someone or something; to lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course or path.
2. To steer or navigate, especially a ship or as a pilot.
3. To exert control or influence over someone or something.
4. To supervise the education or training of someone.
5. To act as a guide.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɡaɪd/

Etymology

c. 1325–75. From Middle English guide, from the Old French guide, from Old Occitan guida, from guidar, from Frankish *wītan (“to show the way, lead”), from Proto-Germanic *wītaną (“to see, know; go, depart”), from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“to see, know”). Cognate with Old English wītan (“to see, take heed to, watch after, guard, keep”). Related also to English wit.