gold standard

American  

noun

1. a monetary system with gold of specified weight and fineness as the unit of value.

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gold standard British  

noun

1. a monetary system in which the unit of currency is defined with reference to gold

2. the supreme example of something against which others are judged or measured

   the current gold standard for breast cancer detection

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gold standard Cultural  

1. A system in which a nation's currency has a value measured in gold and can be exchanged for gold. Most nations, including the United States, went off the gold standard in the 1930s.

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Etymology

Origin of gold standard

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

The data from statistical agencies remains the “gold standard,” but that high caliber is slipping in the face of limited budgets, falling response rates and staffing challenges.

From Barron's

The gold standard treatment is to then have intravenous chemotherapy to mop up any remaining tumour cells and reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

From BBC

The poll - the gold standard measure of the public's view of the health service - has been running since 1983.

From BBC

“President Biden set the gold standard for policing at the federal level with his Executive Order, which earned the support of law enforcement and civil rights leaders,” the statement said.

From Washington Post

The series’ ability to replicate that kind of experience has made it the gold standard of remaking video games.

From Washington Post