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Definition of yardstick

yardstick

/ˈjɑːrd.stɪk/
yard · stick
Plural:yardsticks
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yardstick Lexical Profile

yardstick Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A standard used for comparison or judgment.

Example

"Standardized test scores are often used as a yardstick to measure a school's academic performance."

2

A measuring tool made of a straight piece of wood, metal, or plastic that is exactly one yard long, typically marked with inches and fractions.

Example

"The tailor used a wooden yardstick to precisely measure the fabric for the custom suit."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for yardstick
Antonyms
View all antonyms for yardstick

• Nearby Words

yard
yardage
yardlong bean
yardstick
yardwork
yari
yari river

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in the mid-15th century, combining the words 'yard' (a unit of measurement derived from the Old English 'gierd', meaning a rod or measure) and 'stick'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Yardstick. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/yardstick
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