the gold standard

noun

1

: a system in which a unit of money (such as the dollar) is equal to a particular amount of gold

The United States was still on the gold standard in the early 20th century.

2

: something that is considered to be the best and that is used to judge the quality or level of other, similar things

This car is the gold standard for luxury automobiles.

the gold standard of stylish resorts

Examples of the gold standard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Concealer The lightweight, serum-like formula features a multitude of skin care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid—the gold standard for an ultra-hydrated, skin-plumping finish. —Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Jan. 2026

In the world of dark creme de cacao, to me the gold standard is Tempus Fugit. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026

Its alumnae are highly sought after in the classical music field, with this program viewed as the gold standard. —Terry Wagner, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026

Angell had nostalgia for the gold standard, favored using commodity prices as a reference point for inflation and cast eight dissenting votes on the Federal Open Market Committee — tied for seventh-most by any governor in Fed history. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for the gold standard

• meandered
• nonstandard
• substandard
• slandered