benchmark

or bench mark

[ bench-mahrk ]

noun

1. a standard of excellence, achievement, etc., against which similar things must be measured or judged:

   The new hotel is a benchmark in opulence and comfort.

2. any standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged:

   The current price for crude oil may become the benchmark.

3. Computers. an established point of reference against which computers or programs can be measured in tests comparing their performance, reliability, etc.
4. Surveying. Usually bench mark. a marked point of known or assumed elevation from which other elevations may be established. : BM

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resulting in a benchmark:

   benchmark test, benchmark study.

verb (used with object)

1. to test (something) in order to develop a standard:

   IT benchmarked the new software.

2. to measure (something) against a standard:

   executive salaries benchmarked against the industry.

benchmark

/ ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːk /

noun

1. a mark on a stone post or other permanent feature, at a point whose exact elevation and position is known: used as a reference point in surveying BM
2. 1. a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point
   2. ( as modifier )

      a benchmark test

verb

1. to measure or test against a benchmark

   the firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

Word History and Origins

Origin of benchmark¹

First recorded in 1835–45; bench + mark ¹

Example Sentences

In a move to boost the economy as inflation cools, the Federal Reserve on Nov. 7 cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points as expected, following a September rate cut.

From Salon

Speaking to Salon in August, Dr. Ken Caldeira, an atmospheric scientist at the Carnegie Institution for Science's Department of Global Ecology, warned that passing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold would be a devastating benchmark.

From Salon

"I think it makes some sense for him to play. It's unlikely it'll go perfectly, but it will be a benchmark that he can build from."

From BBC

The auction house said the historic sale "launches a new frontier in the global art market, establishing the auction benchmark for an artwork by a humanoid robot".

From BBC

The quarter-percentage-point reduction in the Fed’s benchmark rate was expected.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick