benchmark

1 of 2

noun

bench·​mark ˈbench-ˌmärk 

1

a

: something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged

a stock whose performance is a benchmark against which other stocks can be measured

b

: a point of reference from which measurements may be made

c

: a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison (as of computer system performance)

2

usually bench mark : a mark on a permanent object (such as a concrete post set into the ground) indicating elevation and serving as a reference in topographic surveys and tidal observations

benchmark

2 of 2

verb

benchmarked; benchmarking; benchmarks

transitive verb

business : to study (something, such as a competitor's product or business practices) in order to improve the performance of one's own company

Synonyms

Noun

• bar
• barometer
• criterion
• gold standard
• grade
• mark
• measure
• metric
• par
• standard
• touchstone
• yardstick

Examples of benchmark in a Sentence

Noun

a stock whose performance is a benchmark against which other stocks can be measured

this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Elsewhere overnight, Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed after Wall Street stock benchmarks notched record highs yesterday. —Jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024

Smart benchmarks derived from large-scale data can aid decision-making without fully replacing the human element. —Miruna-Ioana Girtu, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Verb

Other ordinances, such as Local Law 84 of 2009 and Local Law 133 of 2016, require large building owners to leverage the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager to benchmark and report the city’s energy usage annually. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Companies can benchmark work-family benefits using the JUST Jobs Scorecard, an interactive online database covering Russell 1000 companies. —Michelle Travis, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

benchmark

noun

1

usually bench mark : a mark on a permanent object indicating elevation and serving as a reference in geological surveys

2

: something (as a test) that can be used as a standard to check other things (as computer programs) against