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

Oil prices rose again early Monday, with US benchmark crude briefly touching the $100-per-barrel mark.

From Barron's

The negotiations remain a focal point for policymakers and economists, setting the benchmark for nonunionized smaller businesses, which employ the vast majority of Japan’s workforce.

From The Wall Street Journal

Overseas benchmarks have fallen harder than U.S. indexes since the fighting began, as surging oil prices hit global markets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Major international benchmarks have tumbled since the start of fighting, while U.S. indexes have suffered milder losses.

From The Wall Street Journal

The benchmark is also trading below its 200-day moving average, a key indicator for future returns tracked by technical analysts, for the first time in more than a year.

From Barron's

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick