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

Setting a gold standard of its own, Calibre Mining holds steadfast to responsible mining practices, environmental stewardship, and community engagement to better ensure long-term success. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024

Tell me about your beauty tips–any rules or gold standards, first and foremost? —Nick Remsen, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1