touchstone
noun
a test or criterion for the qualities of a thing.
touchstones
-
pluralof touchstone.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Widow’s Bay,” leaning into comedy, goes old school, conjuring familiar spectres that knowingly nod to “Jaws,” “Psycho,” the canonical works of King and John Carpenter, and other touchstones of cultural anxiety.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
And just always having that through line of, “What were the touchstones of Carolyn as a young woman, and where did I want her to end up physically?”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026
Constable’s famously crusted, white-flecked surfaces, as seen in this painting’s coarsely textured beams and choppy canal water, and in its windswept, cloud-filled skies, became touchstones in his work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 2026
And of course, Bad Bunny is hugely popular across the United States, which has among the largest Spanish-speaking populations globally -- so why wouldn't he take part in one of the country's cultural touchstones?
From Barron's ● Jan. 31, 2026
Family mottoes, touchstones, prayers of sorts, they boasted of honor and glory, promised loyalty and truth, swore faith and courage.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
