Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Yardstick

Yard′stickˊ

(yärd′stĭkˊ)
,
Noun.
A stick three feet, or a yard, in length, used as a measure of distance, cloth, etc.

Definition 2024


yardstick

yardstick

English

Noun

yardstick (plural yardsticks)

  1. A measuring rod thirty-six inches long.
  2. (figuratively) A standard to which other measurements or comparisons are judged.
    • 2008 April 8, Michael R. Gordon and Eric Schmitt, “Attacks in Baghdad spiked in March, U.S. data show”, in International Herald Tribune, 2008 April 8 edition, “Africa & Middle East” section,
      Attacks against civilians in the capital remained relatively unchanged: 69 in March from 62 in February. However, another yardstick, the number of civilian deaths tracked by the Iraqi government, shot up last month after several months of decline.

Derived terms

  • Portsmouth yardstick

Translations