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
Nigl’s 49-game streak remains the gold standard — a benchmark that has stood for several years and continues to be the mark every bracket-maker, knowingly or not, is chasing.
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Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
The latter, Kilpin said, is the gold standard for how to respond.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 19 Mar. 2026
And for decades, PBS KIDS has set the gold standard for educational children’s media, creating thoughtful, enriching stories that continue to shape how young audiences learn, grow, and understand the world.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
And for decades, PBS KIDS has set the gold standard for educational children’s media, creating thoughtful, enriching stories that continue to shape how young audiences learn, grow and understand the world.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the gold standard
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Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
The latter, Kilpin said, is the gold standard for how to respond.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 19 Mar. 2026
And for decades, PBS KIDS has set the gold standard for educational children’s media, creating thoughtful, enriching stories that continue to shape how young audiences learn, grow, and understand the world.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
And for decades, PBS KIDS has set the gold standard for educational children’s media, creating thoughtful, enriching stories that continue to shape how young audiences learn, grow and understand the world.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 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 28 Mar. 2026.
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