YARDSTICK

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does yardstick mean? 

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

1. a measure or standard used for comparison

2. a ruler or tape that is three feet long

  Familiarity information: YARDSTICK used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• YARDSTICK (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A measure or standard used for comparison

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Context example:

on what kind of yardstick is he basing his judgment?

Hypernyms ("yardstick" 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 ruler or tape that is three feet long

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

yard measure; yardstick

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

rule; ruler (measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths)

 Context examples 

You have now become a yardstick yourself.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

"Measuring him by the yardstick of their own miserable egos," Martin broke in.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)