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 of benchmark

Noun

• standard
• criterion

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

Daniela DaSuta, founder of SommSpace in Austin, recommends looking for wines labeled Alto Adige, Collio, Collio Goriziano or Friuli Colli Orientali, all benchmark areas for the variety. — Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

The authors recommended that the US government and its commercial and international partners establish benchmarks for interpreting hostile behavior in space. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026

Verb

To deal with such stress, the founder has to benchmark and try to use what is already in the market. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Jean Rahn, the credit union’s VP of Total Rewards, says the organization uses a formal job evaluation system to benchmark roles and reviews salary survey data each year to ensure pay ranges keep pace with the market. — Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for benchmark

• ballpark
• birthmark
• daymark
• earmark
• embark
• hallmark
• landmark
• monarch
• postmark
• remark
• skylark
• tetrarch

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