point of reference
noun phrase
: something that is used to judge or understand something else
The professor used the study as a point of reference for evaluating and discussing other theories.
Examples of point of reference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For some contemporary fashion designers, Bloomsbury is a central point of reference.
—
Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023
Kentucky Fried Chicken eventually bought the restaurant in 1974 but the Big Chicken stayed, becoming a landmark in Marietta and a point of reference to anyone traveling through town.
—Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2023
As part of an initiative to promote the beauty of Baja in a series of events highlighting Mexico’s gastronomy, wine, beer and handicrafts, Nortec’s music served as a point of reference for the originality that the region has to offer.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 24 July 2023
The height of that, or at least that’s my point of reference for it, because during that time, Barbie’s body was w still wildly out of proportion compared to real women.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 13 July 2023
How the context of a song can evolve or can sort of at least frame your point of reference in life is such a trip.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2023
In short, humans are always the point of reference – so mysterious and strange and interesting, such an amazing species.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 11 June 2023
The hotel’s mission: to become a national and international point of reference for those seeking wellness on Lake Garda.
—Jillian Dara, Robb Report, 25 May 2023
His point of reference was the Century Series of jets in the 1950s-1960s—the F-100 through F-111—most of which were quickly entered and withdrawn from service due to the breakneck pace of advancements in military aviation technology.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 25 May 2023
See More
Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023
Kentucky Fried Chicken eventually bought the restaurant in 1974 but the Big Chicken stayed, becoming a landmark in Marietta and a point of reference to anyone traveling through town.
—Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2023
As part of an initiative to promote the beauty of Baja in a series of events highlighting Mexico’s gastronomy, wine, beer and handicrafts, Nortec’s music served as a point of reference for the originality that the region has to offer.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 24 July 2023
The height of that, or at least that’s my point of reference for it, because during that time, Barbie’s body was w still wildly out of proportion compared to real women.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 13 July 2023
How the context of a song can evolve or can sort of at least frame your point of reference in life is such a trip.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2023
In short, humans are always the point of reference – so mysterious and strange and interesting, such an amazing species.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 11 June 2023
The hotel’s mission: to become a national and international point of reference for those seeking wellness on Lake Garda.
—Jillian Dara, Robb Report, 25 May 2023
His point of reference was the Century Series of jets in the 1950s-1960s—the F-100 through F-111—most of which were quickly entered and withdrawn from service due to the breakneck pace of advancements in military aviation technology.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 25 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'point of reference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near point of reference
Cite this Entry
“Point of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20reference. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share