yardstick

noun

yard·​stick ˈyärd-ˌstik 

1

a

: a graduated measuring stick three feet (0.9144 meter) long

b

: a standard basis of calculation

a yardstick for measuring astronomical distances

2

: a standard for making a critical judgment : criterion

measured by the yardstick of her first book

was a great success by any yardstick

Synonyms of yardstick

• criterion
• standard
• benchmark
• measure

Choose the Right Synonym for yardstick

standard, criterion, gauge, yardstick, touchstone mean a means of determining what a thing should be.

standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.

questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect.

polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

Examples of yardstick in a Sentence

Some feel that test scores aren't an adequate yardstick for judging a student's ability.

Ratings are the yardstick by which TV shows are evaluated by networks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adrian Tong, senior analyst at research company Media Partners Asia, points to Nolan’s own China box office history as the relevant yardstick. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

The yield-to-worst yardstick measures the lowest potential yield a bondholder would receive short of an issuer going bankrupt, and incorporates early retirement dates, like call or put options. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Warsh is also garnering criticism for seemingly suggesting that familiar yardsticks are moving. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

The Commerce Department's inflation yardstick is closely watched by the Federal Reserve. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for yardstick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

Kids Definition

yardstick

noun

yard·​stick -ˌstik 

1

: a measuring stick a yard long

2

: a rule or standard by which something is measured