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

Looming over the desk is a giant cross made of yardsticks, those famous instruments of parochial-school torment, formed into a set of crosshairs. —Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026

This yardstick of shopper psyche, created by polls that run to mid -month, date to 2007. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

The gauge is based on short interest, margin debt, sentiment surveys and several other yardsticks used to gauge what investors are thinking and doing. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 17 Nov. 2025

The three-horse race of cable news, of course, is no longer the main yardstick. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025

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