noun
hallmark
HAWL-mahk
noun
1
A distinctive feature or trait that marks something as genuine or characteristic.
"Attention to detail is the hallmark of her work."
"Clear communication is a hallmark of good leadership."
2
An official stamp certifying the purity of gold, silver, or platinum items.
"The ring bore a hallmark showing it was genuine sterling silver."
verb
1
To officially stamp precious metal to certify its purity.
"All the jewelry sold here is hallmarked."
How to Use Hallmark
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA defining, telltale sign of something's quality or identity.
Common pairings
a hallmark of
bear the hallmark of
Word Forms
hallmarked past tense, hallmarks plural, hallmarks singular
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Etymology
From "hall" + "mark," originally the official stamp applied at Goldsmiths' Hall in London to certify precious metals.