bench·mark
ˈbench-ˌmärk 
1
a
: something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged
a stock whose performance is a benchmark against which other stocks can be measured
b
: a point of reference from which measurements may be made
c
: a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison (as of computer system performance)
2
usually bench mark
: a mark on a permanent object (such as a concrete post set into the ground) indicating elevation and serving as a reference in topographic surveys and tidal observations
benchmarked; benchmarking; benchmarks
business
: to study (something, such as a competitor's product or business practices) in order to improve the performance of one's own company
Synonyms
Examples of benchmark in a Sentence
Noun
a stock whose performance is a benchmark against which other stocks can be measured
this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years
Recent Examples on the Web
Jon Bird, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Interest expense, net increased to $246 million from $225 million, mainly due to higher debt levels and benchmark rates.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Companies can benchmark work-family benefits using the JUST Jobs Scorecard, an interactive online database covering Russell 1000 companies.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for benchmark 
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Noun
Nevertheless, the rest of the Asia-Pacific provides a benchmark for digital commerce.
—Jon Bird, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Interest expense, net increased to $246 million from $225 million, mainly due to higher debt levels and benchmark rates.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
Other ordinances, such as Local Law 84 of 2009 and Local Law 133 of 2016, require large building owners to leverage the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager to benchmark and report the city’s energy usage annually.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Companies can benchmark work-family benefits using the JUST Jobs Scorecard, an interactive online database covering Russell 1000 companies.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for benchmark
Dictionary Entries Near benchmark
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benchmark. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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