touchstone

American  

[tuhch-stohn] / ˈtʌtʃˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a test or criterion for the qualities of a thing.

   Synonyms:

   pattern, model, measure, standard

2. a black siliceous stone formerly used to test the purity of gold and silver by the color of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal.

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touchstone British  

/ ˈtʌtʃˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a criterion or standard by which judgment is made

2. a hard dark siliceous stone, such as basalt or jasper, that is used to test the quality of gold and silver from the colour of the streak they produce on it

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Etymology

Origin of touchstone

First recorded in 1475–85; touch + stone

Example Sentences

She likened it to Whittier Boulevard, a touchstone of Mexican American culture in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

By the 1970s, Bloomingdale’s had become a cultural touchstone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Moira was my touchstone as I struggled with the reality of an unusually transient life, having lived in 29 homes by the age of 46.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

Founded by storyteller Anant Pai after he noticed children on a quiz show knew more about Greek gods than their own mythological heroes, ACK quickly became a cultural touchstone.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

The next day Vincent writes again, hammering home the strong bond between the brothers, with a memory, the memory that is the most important touchstone in their lives so far.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• barometer
• criterion