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

---

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

---

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

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

While Vanguard Wellington’s fixed-income benchmark targets high-quality corporate bonds, she currently has just over 20% of her sleeve invested in Treasuries.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

By Trivariate’s tally, 238 stocks in the S&P 500, or nearly 48%, were up in the first quarter, while 57% of the index beat the stock-market benchmark.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Benchmark U.S. crude futures vaulted 11% higher Thursday, to $111.54 a barrel, while the global Brent crude benchmark rose 7.8%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 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