yardstick

noun

yard·​stick ˈyärd-ˌstik How to pronounce yardstick (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The details Here’s how the Golden State scored in those five workplace yardsticks … Quits: Lots of management research shows that bad bosses are a top reason why workers leave. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 20 Nov. 2024 But those and other overbought stocks could be due for a pullback, according to one popular yardstick. Pia Singh, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 Ramos shoves a yardstick in his hand and a tricorn on his head. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 Allred also highlighted his own broad geographical footprint, but with a caveat: contributions to the Democrat came from people in 247 counties, but his camp uses a yardstick that measures back to the launch of his candidacy almost a year ago, not just this year's first quarter. John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for yardstick 

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of yardstick was in 1610

Dictionary Entries Near yardstick

Cite this Entry

“Yardstick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yardstick. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

yardstick

noun
yard·​stick -ˌstik How to pronounce yardstick (audio)
1
: a measuring stick a yard long
2
: a rule or standard by which something is measured

More from Merriam-Webster on yardstick

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