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

Example Sentences

The hallmark of our law is fiduciary judgment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 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

To these students, who perceive A.I.’s banal flatness as a hallmark of good style, my new essays are not acceptable.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Amid pressure from activist investors, Southwest announced sweeping changes a couple of years ago, including the end of its hallmark policies of open seating and no fees for checked baggage.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 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