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.
In critically dry years, winter-run Chinook salmon could see a 23% decrease in juvenile production compared to baseline conditions, which are already pushing the species toward extinction. Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025 Hachimura, who has become a corner-three specialist, also is going to feast at the rim off baseline cuts against defenses that rightfully will be focused on Doncic, James and Reaves on the perimeter. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025 At 19-9, 11-6 in the Big East, they are positioned for a first-round bye in the conference tournament and an NCAA Tournament berth, baseline achievements for the back-to-back national champs, for sure, but nothing that should be taken for granted anywhere. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025 The Crimson Tide remained well within striking distance with Henrique Pinto (24 points) finishing at the rim and Cristian Vasquez hitting a baseline pullup to even the game at 44. Matt Feld, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 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 8 Mar. 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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