benchmark

American  

[bench-mahrk] / ˈbɛntʃˌmɑrk /

Or bench mark

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

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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 British  

/ ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːk /

noun

1.  BM.  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

2. 1. a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point

   2. ( as modifier )

      a benchmark test

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verb

1. to measure or test against a benchmark

   the firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

Etymology

Origin of benchmark

First recorded in 1835–45; bench + mark ¹

Example Sentences

The global benchmark for oil is a contract to buy a barrel of Brent crude one month in the future.

From BBC

The cost of gasoline hit an unwelcome benchmark in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday as the average price per gallon officially reached the $6 mark, according to the American Automobile Assn.

From Los Angeles Times

“You basically have an environment where the economy is somewhat slowing” and the Fed is potentially “on the sidelines” keeping its benchmark rate steady on inflation risks, he said.

From MarketWatch

The S&P 500 had its best day of 2026, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the benchmark from its worst quarter in nearly four years.

From The Wall Street Journal

The S&P 500 was up 1.2% in early trading on Tuesday, but the large-cap U.S. benchmark index was still down 6.6% for March.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick