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
Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
They had been held at 21% since last October, the highest level since the new benchmark rate was introduced in 2013.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 June 2025
David Trainer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Higgins said that Verizon uses NPS to benchmark in two important places.
—Shep Hyken, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
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Noun
PwC’s recent executive playbook on agentic AI emphasizes that early adopters of AI set industry benchmarks, gain first-mover advantage, streamline operations, and create barriers to entry through deep integration.
—Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
They had been held at 21% since last October, the highest level since the new benchmark rate was introduced in 2013.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 June 2025
Verb
The first step here is to benchmark what cheap means.
—David Trainer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Higgins said that Verizon uses NPS to benchmark in two important places.
—Shep Hyken, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benchmark. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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