benchmark

¹bench·mark

noun \ˈbench-ˌmärk\

Definition of BENCHMARK

1

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

2

a : a point of reference from which measurements may be made b : something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged c : a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison (as of computer system performance)

Examples of BENCHMARK

1. a stock whose performance is a benchmark against which other stocks can be measured
2. <this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years>

First Known Use of BENCHMARK

circa 1842

Related to BENCHMARK

Synonyms: bar, barometer, standard, criterion, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, touchstone, yardstick

Related Words: case, example, instance; average, norm, rule; acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

Near Antonyms: aberration, abnormality, deviation

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Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, plat, projection, topography

Rhymes with BENCHMARK

aardvark, airpark, anarch, autarch, ballpark, birthmark, blue shark, bookmark, check mark, chop mark, debark, demark, Denmark, D-mark, earmark, embark, endarch, exarch, footmark, futhark, Graustark, hallmark, hash mark, horned lark, ironbark, landmark, Lamarck, monarch, Petrarch, pitch-dark, Plutarch, pockmark, postmark, pressmark, pugmark, reichsmark, remark, remarque, Remarque, ringbark, seamark, shagbark, sitzmark, skylark, soapbark, space mark, stress mark, tanbark, tetrarch, theme park, tidemark, titlark, touchmark, trademark, whale shark