reference point

American  

[ref-uh-ruhns point, ref-ruhns] / ˈrɛf ə rəns ˈpɔɪnt, ˈrɛf rəns /

noun

plural

reference points

1. something used as a comparison to aid in evaluation or understanding.

2. a particular physical location used to navigate an area or find an object.

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Example Sentences

The test lasted about 70 minutes, allowing them to practice approaching and backing away from part of the rocket, which served as a reference point for Orion’s movements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Contracts to buy and sell oil will often use Brent as a reference point, so it has significant influence on global energy costs.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Lucy and Ricky Ricardo‘s love story was often a reference point for Roberts throughout his time on “Outlander.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

The authorities denied these allegations, and Maduro once called the prison a "moral reference point."

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Quintilian is a fundamental reference point for Arnauld: ‘Quintilian and all the other rhetoricians, Aristotle and all the philosophers...’

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton