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
Getting recommended is the gold standard, and measured against this bar, many brands are failing spectacularly.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The test estimates a man's risk of aggressive prostate cancer, but a biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming the disease.
—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
What’s more, any alternative to a system like the gold standard could be potentially catastrophic.
—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
With both types, remember to focus on the gold standard combination of protein, fiber, and fat.
—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the gold standard
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Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The test estimates a man's risk of aggressive prostate cancer, but a biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming the disease.
—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
What’s more, any alternative to a system like the gold standard could be potentially catastrophic.
—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
With both types, remember to focus on the gold standard combination of protein, fiber, and fat.
—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
23 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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