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

Crude futures settled lower with U.S. benchmark WTI underperforming Brent as the U.S. said it will receive up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan crude and continue controlling sales indefinitely.

From The Wall Street Journal

One key input into the world economy is oil, and Wall Street bank Goldman Sachs expects the price of benchmark Brent Crude to fall around 8% this year to around $56 a barrel.

From BBC

Global stocks are rising, with European and Asian markets reaching all-time highs and US benchmarks nearing historic thresholds.

From Barron's

That compares with the long-standing federal benchmark of 0.8 grams generally recommended to meet the basic nutritional needs of healthy adults.

From Barron's

Global stocks are rising, with European and Asian markets reaching all-time highs and US benchmarks nearing historic thresholds.

From Barron's

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick