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
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The company earned widespread recognition as the gold standard for metal hatchway doors and opened offices in Canada and the UK during the 1980s.
—
Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Microfiber Dusters Microfiber dusters are often considered the gold standard for modern cleaning.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 12 May 2026
Losing mail access to mifepristone would leave many with the more painful, less effective option while those with the time and means to reach a clinic continue to get the gold standard of care.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Nurses are the reason Florida’s nursing centers are the gold standard and consistently outpace the nation in quality outcomes and staff retention.
—Dawn Chery-Mangine, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the gold standard
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Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Microfiber Dusters Microfiber dusters are often considered the gold standard for modern cleaning.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 12 May 2026
Losing mail access to mifepristone would leave many with the more painful, less effective option while those with the time and means to reach a clinic continue to get the gold standard of care.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Nurses are the reason Florida’s nursing centers are the gold standard and consistently outpace the nation in quality outcomes and staff retention.
—Dawn Chery-Mangine, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 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 17 May. 2026.
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