Hallmark
'hɔːl.mɑːrk
Definitions
2 meaningsA distinguishing characteristic, trait, or feature that is a sign of quality, excellence, or authority.
'hɔːl.mɑːrk
A distinguishing characteristic or feature.
The restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients is a hallmark of its success.
💡 Simply: A hallmark is like a special sign that shows something is great or important. Imagine you're baking cookies, and the smell is a hallmark of your delicious creations! It’s the thing that makes them stand out.
👶 For kids: A hallmark is a special sign that shows something is good or special.
More Examples
His honesty and integrity are hallmarks of his character.
The company's dedication to customer service is a hallmark of its brand.
The use of bold colors and geometric shapes is a hallmark of the artist's work.
How It's Used
"Innovation is a hallmark of this company's success."
"The author's vivid descriptions were a hallmark of their writing."
An official mark stamped on an article of precious metal (e.g., gold, silver) to attest to its quality and origin.
'hɔːl.mɑːrk
An official mark indicating quality.
The antique watch was authenticated by its intricate hallmarks.
💡 Simply: Imagine a special stamp on a piece of jewelry that shows it’s real and made well. That stamp is a hallmark!
👶 For kids: A hallmark is a special stamp on something that means it's real and good.
More Examples
Inspect the hallmarks to determine the metal content of the jewelry.
The jeweler verified the gold content by checking its hallmark.
How It's Used
"The silver bracelet had a London hallmark indicating its purity and origin."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
a hallmark of
A distinguishing feature or characteristic of something.
"Punctuality is a hallmark of his work ethic."
From Middle English *halmarke*, from Old English *heall* (hall) + *mearc* (mark), originally referring to the mark of quality stamped on precious metals by the Goldsmiths' Company in London.
Originally applied specifically to the marks on precious metals, the word's meaning broadened to signify any distinctive characteristic.
Memory tip
Think of a "hall" - where important things happen - and a "mark" - a sign of something good or official. So a hallmark is a mark that shows something is important or good.