BENCHMARK

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does benchmark mean? 

• BENCHMARK (noun)
  The noun BENCHMARK has 2 senses:

1. a standard by which something can be measured or judged

2. a surveyor's mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference point

  Familiarity information: BENCHMARK used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BENCHMARK (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A standard by which something can be measured or judged

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Context example:

his painting sets the benchmark of quality

Hypernyms ("benchmark" is a kind of...):

criterion; measure; standard; touchstone (a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A surveyor's mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference point

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

bench mark; benchmark

Hypernyms ("benchmark" is a kind of...):

point of reference; reference; reference point (an indicator that orients you generally)

 Context examples 

These future studies will reveal the detailed nature of WASP-127b as a benchmark for this new class of very low-density exoplanets.

(Multiple metals – and possible signs of water – found in unique exoplanet, University of Cambridge)

The carbon-neutral device sets a new benchmark in the field of solar fuels, after researchers at the University of Cambridge demonstrated that it can directly produce the gas – called syngas – in a sustainable and simple way.

(‘Artificial leaf’ successfully produces clean gas, University of Cambridge)

Accurate forecasts of the MJO promise real economic advantage and will help better protect life and property in those regions where its effects are strongly felt.” The study provides a critical benchmark for determining which computer models to trust for extended range weather forecasting, based on their ability to simulate the observed behaviour of the MJO in a changing climate.

(Global disasters linked to warming Indo-Pacific seas, SciDev.Net)