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

Google’s Gemini 3 large language model, released in mid-November, vaulted the company to the top of the AI heap due to its strong performance on AI benchmarks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Schools have been told to "use eligibility for free school meals as a general benchmark for affordability".

From BBC

The 10-year yield—the benchmark for mortgage and other loans—hardly budged over the past week.

From Barron's

That grade now trades at a sizable discount to the international benchmark Brent.

From The Wall Street Journal

The good news: Mortgage rates have once again fallen just below the 6% level that many economists and analysts view as an important psychological benchmark for home buyers.

From Barron's

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick