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
Historically, the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis has been surgery, through small cuts made in the abdomen.
—
Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 12 Mar. 2026
While plain water remains the gold standard for hydration, beverage alternatives such as coconut water and coconut milk are often marketed for their hydrating properties.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2026
Retinol is widely regarded as the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients, but for those who really know their vitamin A the best retinal serums can be an even more coveted part of a preventive or anti-aging skin-care routine.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
Sumrall arrived in December, well aware Spurrier is the gold standard at UF, home to six SEC champions and school’s first national title in 1996 during his 12 seasons.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the gold standard
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Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 12 Mar. 2026
While plain water remains the gold standard for hydration, beverage alternatives such as coconut water and coconut milk are often marketed for their hydrating properties.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2026
Retinol is widely regarded as the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients, but for those who really know their vitamin A the best retinal serums can be an even more coveted part of a preventive or anti-aging skin-care routine.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
Sumrall arrived in December, well aware Spurrier is the gold standard at UF, home to six SEC champions and school’s first national title in 1996 during his 12 seasons.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the gold standard
Cite this Entry
“The gold standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20gold%20standard. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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