hallmark

American  

[hawl-mahrk] / ˈhɔlˌmɑrk /

noun

1. an official mark or stamp indicating a standard of purity, used in marking gold and silver articles assayed by the Goldsmiths' Company of London; plate mark.

2. any mark or special indication of genuineness, good quality, etc.

3. any distinguishing feature or characteristic.

   Accuracy is a hallmark of good scholarship.

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verb (used with object)

1. to stamp or imprint (something) with a hallmark.

hallmark British  

/ ˈhɔːlˌmɑːk /

noun

1. an official series of marks, instituted by statute in 1300, and subsequently modified, stamped by the Guild of Goldsmiths at one of its assay offices on gold, silver, or platinum (since 1975) articles to guarantee purity, date of manufacture, etc

2. a mark or sign of authenticity or excellence

3. an outstanding or distinguishing feature

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verb

1. (tr) to stamp with or as if with a hallmark

Other Word Forms

• hallmarker noun

Etymology

Origin of hallmark

1715–25; Goldsmiths' Hall, London, the seat of the Goldsmiths' Company + mark ¹

Explanation

A hallmark is a distinctive characteristic of something or someone. That can mean a literal symbol on the bottom of a piece of pottery, or just a rock star's signature hair style. Though some products have real hallmarks on them, indicating their creator or origin, this word is usually used in a less literal way to describe a unique attribute, a special style, or typical feature. A basketball player could say that coming to practice early is a hallmark of her success. A business could say their success is a hallmark of their commitment to customers. And you could definitely say Elvis' hip swivel was a hallmark of his performances.

Example Sentences

Quiet luxury, or stealth wealth, rose in popularity in the 2020s, but has long been the hallmark of Viking’s sleek, minimalistic ships, shaping everything from amenities to excursions.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

The hallmark of the “Khongian” multiverse, according to her agent, Marya Spence, are the boundless souls contained within her characters’ ordinary bodies.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

A hallmark of tradable market bottoms is that the initial rally off those bottoms is met with widespread skepticism.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The researchers also observed a significant drop in beta-amyloid buildup in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Being cool and unruffled was the hallmark of a good detective, so Ophie was the same, even as her heart pounded.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• indication
• trademark