baseline

noun

base·​line ˈbās-ˌlīn How to pronounce baseline (audio)
often attributive
1
: a line serving as a basis
especially : one of known measure or position used (as in surveying or navigation) to calculate or locate something
2
a
: either of the lines on a baseball field that lead from home plate to first base and third base and are extended into the outfield as foul lines
b
3
: a boundary line at either end of a court (as in tennis or basketball)
4
: a usually initial set of critical observations or data used for comparison or a control
5
: a starting point
the baseline of this discussion

Examples of baseline in a Sentence

The experiment is meant only to provide a baseline for other studies. any year or event we use as the baseline for the Renaissance is going to be at least somewhat arbitrary
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.
Planned higher reciprocal tariff rates for other specific countries on top of the 10% baseline duty implemented on Saturday also will kick in at midnight. Medora Lee, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 What To Know On April 2, Trump announced a 10 percent baseline tariff on all goods imported to the U.S., with exceptions for certain countries, including China, which will face higher levies. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 Trump’s 10% baseline tariffs went into effect on Saturday with the additional tariffs on 86 countries set to take effect on Wednesday. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2025 President Trump followed through on tariff threats last week by declaring a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries and higher tariff rates on dozens of nations that run trade surpluses with the United States. Stan Choe and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baseline

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baseline was circa 1556

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baseline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baseline. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

baseline

noun
base·​line ˈbās-ˌlīn How to pronounce baseline (audio)
1
: a line used as a base
2
a
: either of two straight lines on a baseball field leading from home plate to first base and third base and extending into the outfield
b

Medical Definition

baseline

noun
base·​line ˈbā-ˌslīn How to pronounce baseline (audio)
: a set of critical observations or data used for comparison or a control

More from Merriam-Webster on baseline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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