baseline

noun

base·​line ˈbās-ˌlīn How to pronounce baseline (audio)
Synonyms of baselinenext
often attributive
1
: a line serving as a basis
especially : one of known measure or position used (as in surveying or navigation) to calculate or locate something
2
a
: either of the lines on a baseball field that lead from home plate to first base and third base and are extended into the outfield as foul lines
b
3
: a boundary line at either end of a court (as in tennis or basketball)
4
: a usually initial set of critical observations or data used for comparison or a control
5
: a starting point
the baseline of this discussion

Examples of baseline in a Sentence

The experiment is meant only to provide a baseline for other studies. any year or event we use as the baseline for the Renaissance is going to be at least somewhat arbitrary
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.
The design also gives Reebok a baseline to grow from. Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 One wrap-around pass on the baseline to Monique Billings for 3 in the corner, and a shovel pass to Kelsey Mitchell for another 3, which was crucial in the Fever’s ferocious comeback to force overtime. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026 This year’s total has already exceeded that baseline many times over, with new cases still being reported. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 16 May 2026 Both chambers have a $200 million baseline for conservation easements through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for baseline

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baseline was circa 1556

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baseline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baseline. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

baseline

noun
base·​line ˈbās-ˌlīn How to pronounce baseline (audio)
1
: a line used as a base
2
a
: either of two straight lines on a baseball field leading from home plate to first base and third base and extending into the outfield
b

Medical Definition

baseline

noun
base·​line ˈbā-ˌslīn How to pronounce baseline (audio)
: a set of critical observations or data used for comparison or a control

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