benchmarking

UK: /ˈbɛntʃmɑː^rkɪŋ/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

bench•mark or bench mark /ˈbɛntʃˌmɑrk/   n. [countable]

1. Surveying a mark made on a measuring device at a known height from which other heights may be calculated. Abbr.: BM
2. a standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged:
   He set as his benchmarks the achievements of others.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

benchmark / ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːk/ noun

1. 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
2. a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point

verb

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