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, relating 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.
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 surveyingAbbreviation: BM
-
- a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point
- (as modifier)a benchmark test
verb
- to measure or test against a benchmarkthe firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry
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.