benchmark

[bench-mahrk] /ˈbɛntʃˌmɑrk/

noun

a standard of excellence, achievement, etc., against which similar things must be measured or judged:

The new hotel is a benchmark in opulence and comfort.

any standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged:

The current price for crude oil may become the benchmark.

Computers. an established point of reference against which computers or programs can be measured in tests comparing their performance, reliability, etc.

Surveying. Usually, bench mark. a marked point of known or assumed elevation from which other elevations may be established.

Abbreviation: BM.

adjective

of, pertaining to, or resulting in a benchmark:

benchmark test, benchmark study.

verb (used with object)

to test (something) in order to develop a standard:

IT benchmarked the new software.

to measure (something) against a standard:

executive salaries benchmarked against the industry.

Also, bench mark.

Origin

1835-45; bench + mark¹

Examples from the web for benchmarks

Facts on divorce rates, messy divorces and so forth are poor benchmarks for understanding why any persons marriage may fail.
They were benchmarks-reference texts against which to compare the lettering of other genomes in other individuals.
These are the benchmarks from which improvements are measured.
Then, with your ideal visions as our benchmarks, let's return to the presidential race and ask these questions.
It seems as though platinum has not yet met the benchmarks either.
But after running our own benchmarks it's pretty clear that looks can be deceiving.
By fall the level of violence has indeed subsided-observers disagree on why-though many of the political benchmarks remain unmet.
Understands benchmarks and best practices for areas of responsibility.
And they're working without existing benchmarks and metrics.
And third, a limited number of goals were set, with clear benchmarks.

British Dictionary definitions for benchmarks

benchmark

/ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːk/

noun

a mark on a stone post or other permanent feature, at a point whose exact elevation and position is known: used as a reference point in surveying BM

a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point
(as modifier): a benchmark test

verb

to measure or test against a benchmark: the firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

Word Origin and History for benchmarks

benchmark

also bench-mark, "surveyor's point of reference," 1838, from a specialized surveyors' use of bench (n.) + mark (n.1); figurative sense is from 1884.