a post with a sign giving directions to travelers at a road or path junction.
The lost driver spotted a guidepost pointing to the highway.
Follow the guideposts along the hiking trail to reach the summit.
✦ Mid-19th century: from guide + post, originally referring to physical direction markers.
a principle, standard, or example that guides behavior, judgment, or action.
Integrity is an important guidepost in her decision-making.
The company's ethical guideposts ensure fair treatment of employees.
✦ Figurative extension of the literal sense in the late 19th century, applying the idea of directional guidance to abstract principles.
