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

Hong Kong’s benchmark index even rose 3% as investors piled back in.

From Fortune

Its share performance has easily eclipsed the benchmark S&P 500, which has roughly tripled in value during the past nine years.

From Fortune

In benchmark tests Primer has published, its system has outperformed similar software created by Google and Facebook.

From Fortune

The district also released a set of benchmarks that must be met before it will physically reopen.

From Voice of San Diego

We have a couple of ways to track overall brand performance, you can use these to help benchmark efforts over time.

From Search Engine Land

Taxes are an obvious benchmark, since right now, employed teenagers are literally subjected to taxation without representation.

From The Daily Beast

The age at which children can be tried in adult court varies from state to state, but most set the minimum benchmark at age 14.

From The Daily Beast

He was a benchmark, a mentor as an artist and as a man, and I just loved him with all my heart.

From The Daily Beast

Here's a key to understand the graph of accuracy: ●      Lab: The polysomnograph, the benchmark for the other three.

From The Daily Beast

Using the three states with the lowest mortality rate as the benchmark, they determined where the system breakdown begins.

From The Daily Beast

And that is a good benchmark for us: Federal spending should not rise any faster than the paychecks of American families.

From Project Gutenberg

They set a standard which has remained the benchmark of Virginia political ethics.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick