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standard

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The definition of a standard is something established as a rule, example or basis of comparison.

(noun)

An example of standard is a guideline governing what students must learn in the 7th grade.
An example of standard is a piece of music that continues to be played throughout the years.

Standard means usual or common.

(adjective)

An example of standard is the common greeting in a particular culture.

See standard in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any figure or object, esp. a flag or banner, used as an emblem or symbol of a leader, people, military unit, etc.; specif.,
1. Heraldry a long, tapering flag used as an ensign, as by a king
2. Mil. the colors of a cavalry unit
something established for use as a rule or basis of comparison in measuring or judging capacity, quantity, content, extent, value, quality, etc.: standard of weight and measure
1. the proportion of pure gold or silver and base metal prescribed for use in coinage
2. the basis for the measure of value in a given monetary system
the type, model, or example commonly or generally accepted or adhered to; criterion set for usages or practices: moral standards
a level of excellence, attainment, etc. regarded as a measure of adequacy
any upright object used as a support, often a part of the thing it supports; supporting piece; base; stand
a former grade or class designation in a British elementary school
a piece of popular music that continues to be included in the repertoire of many bands, singers, etc. through the years
Bot.
1. the large, upper petal of a butterfly-shaped flower; vexillum
2. any of the three erect petals in the flower of an iris
Hort.
1. a tree or shrub with a tall, erect stem, that stands alone without support
2. a plant grafted on a single erect stem to grow in tree form

Origin: ME < OFr estendard < Frank *standord, place of formation < Gmc *standan, to stand + *ort, a place, orig., a point, akin to OE ord (see odd): hence, orig., a standing place

adjective

used as, or meeting the requirements of, a standard, rule, model, etc.
generally accepted as reliable or authoritative: standard reference books
conforming to what is usual; ordinary; not special or extra: standard procedure
Linguis.
1. of or in accord with the level of usage of most educated speakers of a language and established as the prestigious form of that language
2. designating the prestigious dialect of a given language: Standard American English

See standard in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A flag, banner, or ensign, especially:
a. The ensign of a chief of state, nation, or city.
b. A long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices distinctive of a person or corporation.
c. An emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in battle.
d. The colors of a mounted or motorized military unit.
a. An acknowledged measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative value; a criterion.
b. An object that under specified conditions defines, represents, or records the magnitude of a unit.
The set proportion by weight of gold or silver to alloy metal prescribed for use in coinage.
The commodity or commodities used to back a monetary system.
Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.
a. A degree or level of requirement, excellence, or attainment.
b. A requirement of moral conduct. Often used in the plural.
Chiefly British A grade level in elementary schools.
A pedestal, stand, or base.
Botany
a. The large upper petal of the flower of a pea or related plant.
b. One of the narrow upright petals of an iris. Also called banner, vexillum.
A shrub or small tree that through grafting or training has a single stem of limited height with a crown of leaves and flowers at its apex.
Music A composition that is continually used in repertoires.

adjective

Serving as or conforming to a standard of measurement or value.
Widely recognized or employed as a model of authority or excellence: a standard reference work.
Acceptable but of less than top quality: a standard grade of beef.
Normal, familiar, or usual: the standard excuse.
Commonly used or supplied: standard car equipment.
Linguistics Conforming to established educated usage in speech or writing.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French estandard, rallying place

Origin: , probably from Frankish *standhard

Origin: : *standan, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + *hard, fast, hard; see kar- in Indo-European roots

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