touchstone

American  

[tuhch-stohn] / ˈtʌtʃˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a test or criterion for the qualities of a thing.

   Synonyms:

   pattern, model, measure, standard

2. a black siliceous stone formerly used to test the purity of gold and silver by the color of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal.

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touchstone British  

/ ˈtʌtʃˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a criterion or standard by which judgment is made

2. a hard dark siliceous stone, such as basalt or jasper, that is used to test the quality of gold and silver from the colour of the streak they produce on it

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Etymology

Origin of touchstone

First recorded in 1475–85; touch + stone

Example Sentences

The book was a touchstone in her own life, because she admired its heroine’s courage even if she never had the courage to emulate it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Here, too, Beethoven serves as a musical, spiritual and political touchstone.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The actor, who died Wednesday of cancer, will be best known to a generation of viewers for his role on the WB teen drama that became a cultural touchstone for many.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

The show became a touchstone for a generation of ’90s kids and catapulted its young stars into bona fide stardom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Its Olympian tone made it a perennial touchstone at those political occasions requiring platitudinous wisdom.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• barometer
• criterion