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.

---

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

---

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

This loss leads to hallmark symptoms such as slow movement, tremors, and problems with balance.

From Science Daily

England headed to Australia with high hopes, but it has been mostly one-way traffic despite the series being hyped beforehand as having the hallmarks of being a classic.

From Barron's

Last year, however, Southwest announced sweeping changes in the way it does business, including the end of its hallmark open-seating policy and no fees for checked luggage, despite blowback from customers.

From MarketWatch

In this three-dimensional candidate material, the researchers observed both emergent photons and spinons -- key hallmarks of quantum spin ice.

From Science Daily

In light of Tyler’s hallmark year, he saw it fit to return to the halls where it all began and give back to the community that raised him.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• indication
• trademark