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

Treasury prices reversed to the upside, with their yields dropping 11 basis points for the benchmark 10-year issue to 20 basis points for the two-year note, the maturity most sensitive to anticipated Fed moves.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

On Friday, CME data showed a 10.1% probability that the Fed could raise its benchmark rate to 3.75% to 4%, compared with the 0.2% chance of such a hike that traders priced in on Thursday.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

The benchmark 10-year JGB futures are 0.06 yen higher at 130.25 yen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The international benchmark also had its largest one-quarter percentage gain of 71% since 1990, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Epic in scope, violence, and imagination, Deathstorm is a new benchmark in the fantasy genre and cements forever G. M. Pennington’s status as the American Tolkien.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick