yardstick

noun

yard·​stick ˈyärd-ˌstik 

1

a

: a graduated measuring stick three feet (0.9144 meter) long

b

: a standard basis of calculation

a yardstick for measuring astronomical distances

2

: a standard for making a critical judgment : criterion

measured by the yardstick of her first book

was a great success by any yardstick

Synonyms of yardstick

• criterion
• standard
• benchmark
• measure

Choose the Right Synonym for yardstick

standard, criterion, gauge, yardstick, touchstone mean a means of determining what a thing should be.

standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.

questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect.

polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

Examples of yardstick in a Sentence

Some feel that test scores aren't an adequate yardstick for judging a student's ability.

Ratings are the yardstick by which TV shows are evaluated by networks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Scrapping for points won’t be enough to fulfill that desire — but that is a first yardstick a new team must reach on its journey. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Almost half of the Global Fortune 500 – including nearly four in five North American companies listed – are pursuing net-zero targets calibrated by the Protocol’s existing yardstick. — Mike Feibus, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Adrian Tong, senior analyst at research company Media Partners Asia, points to Nolan’s own China box office history as the relevant yardstick. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

The yield-to-worst yardstick measures the lowest potential yield a bondholder would receive short of an issuer going bankrupt, and incorporates early retirement dates, like call or put options. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for yardstick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

Kids Definition

yardstick

noun

yard·​stick -ˌstik 

1

: a measuring stick a yard long

2

: a rule or standard by which something is measured