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
benchmarked; benchmarking; benchmarks
business
: to study (something, such as a competitor's product or business practices) in order to improve the performance of one's own company
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
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Leclerc was expected to be a tough benchmark for Hamilton to match.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Tj Dunham, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In a February blog post analyzing the report, Kenneth Kaufman—managing director and founder of Kaufman Hall—noted that poor performing hospitals tend to focus management efforts on their largest clinical and nursing areas, which are easiest to benchmark.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
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Noun
This benchmark rate influences various interest rates across the economy, including those for mortgages, savings accounts and loans.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Leclerc was expected to be a tough benchmark for Hamilton to match.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Transparent reporting will enable the industry to benchmark progress and identify areas for improvement.
2.
—Tj Dunham, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In a February blog post analyzing the report, Kenneth Kaufman—managing director and founder of Kaufman Hall—noted that poor performing hospitals tend to focus management efforts on their largest clinical and nursing areas, which are easiest to benchmark.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benchmark. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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