benchmark

Or bench mark

[bench-mahrk]

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

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

/ 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

verb

1. to measure or test against a benchmark

   the firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

Word History and Origins

Origin of benchmark¹

First recorded in 1835–45; bench + mark ¹

Example Sentences

The benchmark S&P 500 index traded flat.

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The moves highlight Google’s emerging presence in the AI semiconductor space, where Nvidia maintains a commanding lead in terms of market share thanks to cutting-edge systems and software that remain the benchmark for computing performance.

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The strong performance of Gemini 3 on industry benchmarks may even be contributing to the more recent pressure on other AI stocks.

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It provides exposure to a broad market index like the S&P 500, seeking performance relative to its benchmark while actively harvesting losses, usually on a monthly basis.

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Meanwhile, its benchmark’s return sank to 20.7% after taxes because of the taxes on its dividends.

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Related Words

• criterion 
• gauge 
• standard 
• yardstick