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
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
Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
This benchmark appears in their partnership agreement, essentially allowing Microsoft to retain access to OpenAI's innovations until this financial goal is met, likely well into 2029.
—Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
With an aim to benchmark over 1,200 buildings in 2024 alone, Mr. Carchietta stands at the crossroads of energy efficiency and business excellence.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
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Noun
His ventures have thrived because of their agility and responsiveness to market demands, setting new benchmarks for excellence.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
This benchmark appears in their partnership agreement, essentially allowing Microsoft to retain access to OpenAI's innovations until this financial goal is met, likely well into 2029.
—Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
For instance, machine learning algorithms could benchmark pricing against similar transactions within the same industry, very quickly.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
With an aim to benchmark over 1,200 buildings in 2024 alone, Mr. Carchietta stands at the crossroads of energy efficiency and business excellence.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benchmark. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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