1. A measuring stick that is one yard (approximately 91.4 cm) in length, used for measuring distances or lengths.
The carpenter used a yardstick to measure the length of the board.
O carpinteiro usou uma vara de medir para medir o comprimento da tábua.
2. A standard of comparison or criterion by which something is judged or measured.
Academic performance is often used as a yardstick for measuring student success.
O desempenho acadêmico é frequentemente usado como critério para medir o sucesso dos alunos.