baseline

noun, often attributive

base·line | \ ˈbās-ˌlīn

Definition of baseline

1 : a line serving as a basis especially : one of known measure or position used (as in surveying or navigation) to calculate or locate something

2a : either of the lines on a baseball field that lead from home plate to first base and third base and are extended into the outfield as foul lines

b : basepath

3 : a boundary line at either end of a court (as in tennis or basketball)

4 : a usually initial set of critical observations or data used for comparison or a control

5 : a starting point the baseline of this discussion

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about baseline

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of baseline in a Sentence

The experiment is meant only to provide a baseline for other studies. any year or event we use as the baseline for the Renaissance is going to be at least somewhat arbitrary

Recent Examples on the Web

The angle was sharp and looked like a winner, but Federer, who was standing at the baseline in the middle of the court, immediately ran to the ball. — Jim Chairusmi, WSJ, "Roger Federer’s Amazing Shot at the U.S. Open," 1 Sep. 2018 The centerline is the line that extends from the baseline to the non-volley line. — Bethany Ao, Philly.com, "How to play pickleball," 12 July 2018 After three months of follow-up for each boy, muscle biopsies were performed and compared with biopsies taken at baseline. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, "With tantalizing early results, Sarepta’s gene therapy for Duchenne raises hopes for ‘real change’," 19 June 2018 One down-the-line forehand winner landed right at the baseline, leaving Thiem sagging his shoulders and muttering. — Howard Fendrich, Houston Chronicle, "This one goes to 11: Rafael Nadal beats Dominic Thiem for French Open title," 11 June 2018 One down-the-line forehand winner landed right at the baseline, leaving Thiem sagging his shoulders and muttering. — Howard Fendrich, BostonGlobe.com, "Rafael Nadal wins record-extending 11th French Open title," 10 June 2018 When the match ended, Halep dropped her racket at the baseline and covered her face with her hands. — Howard Fendrich, USA TODAY, "Simona Halep beats American Sloane Stephens in French Open final," 9 June 2018 When the match ended, Halep dropped her racket at the baseline and covered her face with her hands. — Howard Fendrich, The Seattle Times, "4th time’s the charm: Halep tops Stephens to win French Open," 9 June 2018 Livingston said, sitting at the baseline before Tuesday’s practice in Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena as the Warriors prepared for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Cavaliers on Wednesday. — Malika Andrews, chicagotribune.com, "Warriors' Shaun Livingston keeps Peoria close to his heart," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baseline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.