gold standard

noun

1
: a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold and which is usually characterized by the coinage and circulation of gold, unrestricted convertibility of other money into gold, and the free export and import of gold for settling of international obligations
2

Examples of gold standard in a Sentence

the gold standard for accurate experimental procedures is the double-blind medication trial
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For winemakers, a gold standard is French oak barrels; these can run about $1,000 each or more, depending on size. Willa Rubin, NPR, 17 Apr. 2025 Historically, during periods of market turbulence and economic uncertainty, investors typically seek refuge in safe-haven assets—with U.S. Treasury bonds and the dollar being the traditional gold standards of security. Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 Even though PET scans are the current gold standard of analyzing someone's degree of Alzheimer's, the scans themselves can be costly and not widely available except in population centers with advanced medical facilities. New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2025 Our state’s representatives must be vigilant and proactive, defending our gold standard against any and all threats. Sierra Rodriguez, The Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gold standard

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gold standard was in 1811

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Cite this Entry

“Gold standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gold%20standard. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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