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

The Role of Nuts and Seeds in Diverticulitis For years, avoiding small, hard foods was considered gold standard dietary guidance for people with diverticulitis. —Sarah Garone, Health, 9 May 2025

The resort’s Green Meeting Initiatives also set a new gold standard for event sustainability. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

This recipe is our own gold standard, with the springtime addition of a strawberry swirl running through the center. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025

As its name suggests, this gel-cream mask’s main ingredient is yuzu extract, rich in vitamin C, a gold standard for boosting skin radiance and evening tone. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gold standard

• meandered
• nonstandard
• substandard
• slandered