gold standard

noun

1

: a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold and which is usually characterized by the coinage and circulation of gold, unrestricted convertibility of other money into gold, and the free export and import of gold for settling of international obligations

2

: benchmark sense 1a

Synonyms

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

Examples of gold standard in a Sentence

the gold standard for accurate experimental procedures is the double-blind medication trial

Recent Examples on the Web

The Mediterranean diet is backed by extensive scientific research as a gold standard for heart health and longevity. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 22 Jan. 2025

Those looking for stronger evidence about the risks and benefits of the drugs will have to wait for the results of large-scale gold standard trials, several of which are underway. —Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Followers believed that creating a silver standard in addition to the pre-existing gold standard would boost the economy. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 Nov. 2024

Crouton Jones is not only breaking barriers in Web3 but setting a gold standard for innovation in entertainment. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1