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

• bar
• barometer
• benchmark
• criterion
• gold standard
• grade
• mark
• measure
• metric
• par
• standard
• touchstone

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

To figure out how large an asteroid is, astronomers rely on the brightness of the object as a yardstick. —Scott Neuman, NPR, 2 Feb. 2025

The party has seized on an opportunity to normalize themselves, using the Trump administration as their yardstick. —Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025

This yardstick of psyche comes from monthly polling that, for this report, ended on Jan. 20. —Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 31 Jan. 2025

Evaluating popular health claims against the yardstick of this work can help distinguish which ones are based on sound science. —Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

yardstick

noun

yard·​stick -ˌstik 

1

: a measuring stick a yard long

2

: a rule or standard by which something is measured