Definition of hallmark
1a : an official mark stamped on gold and silver articles in England to attest their purityb : a mark or device placed or stamped on an article of trade to indicate origin, purity, or genuineness a hallmark from the Ming dynasty
2 : a distinguishing characteristic, trait, or feature the dramatic flourishes which are the hallmark of the trial lawyer — Marion K. Sanders
Explore Merriam-Webster
hallmark was our Word of the Day on 03/26/2013. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of hallmark in a Sentence
He had all the hallmarks of a great baseball player.
Humor is one of the hallmarks of her style.
The murder bore all the hallmarks of a serial killer's work.
Did You Know?
Centuries ago, King Edward I of England decreed that gold and silver had to be tested and approved by master craftsmen before being sold. Later, London artisans were required to bring finished metal goods to Goldsmith's Hall to be checked, and if those items met the quality standards of the craft-masters there, they would be marked with a special stamp of approval. (The process is much the same today.) At first, people used hallmark to name that mark of excellence from Goldsmith's Hall, but over the years the word came to refer to any mark guaranteeing purity or genuineness, and eventually to name any sign of outstanding talent, creativity, or excellence.
Origin and Etymology of hallmark
Goldsmiths' Hall, London, England, where gold and silver articles were assayed and stamped
First Known Use: 1721
Other Business Terms
hallmark
Definition of hallmark
transitive verb
: to stamp with a mark that indicates origin, purity, or genuineness : to stamp with a hallmark (see 1hallmark)
Origin and Etymology of hallmark
see 1hallmark
First Known Use: 1773
HALLMARK Defined for English Language Learners
hallmark
playDefinition of hallmark for English Language Learners
-
: a quality, ability, etc., that is typical of a particular person or thing
-
: an official mark that is put on gold and silver objects in Britain to indicate their purity
Learn More about hallmark
-
See words that rhyme with hallmark Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hallmark Spanish Central: Translation of hallmark Nglish: Translation of hallmark for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hallmark for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hallmark
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up hallmark? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!