| Noun | 1. | benchmark - a standard by which something can be measured or judged; "his painting sets the benchmark of quality" criterion, standard, touchstone, measure - a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated; "the schools comply with federal standards"; "they set the measure for all subsequent work" |
| 2. | benchmark - a surveyor's mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference pointpoint of reference, reference point, reference - an indicator that orients you generally; "it is used as a reference for comparing the heating and the electrical energy involved" |