caliber

especially British, cal·i·bre

[kal-uh-ber]

noun

1. the diameter of something of circular section, especially that of the inside of a tube.

   a pipe of three-inch caliber.

2. Ordnance.,  the diameter of the bore of a gun taken as a unit of measurement.

3. degree of capacity or competence; ability.

   a mathematician of high caliber.

4. degree of merit or excellence; quality.

   the high moral caliber of the era.

   Synonyms: distinction, worth

Other Word Forms

• calibered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caliber¹

1560–70; variant of calibre < Middle French ≪ Arabic qālib mold, last < Greek kālápous shoe last, equivalent to kāla- combining form of kâlon wood + poús foot ( -pod )

Example Sentences

Next April, Judge will celebrate his 34th birthday, entering the age where even players of his caliber typically see their skills begin to decline.

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With a sprawling live band and big moments of unvarnished vocal candor, this was pop at its highest caliber, but with an eye toward long-term durability and integrity.

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“For somebody at that caliber to be that open was really refreshing.”

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They have an upcoming film-music festival, Future Ruins, that will be the first of its kind and caliber in Los Angeles.

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With the quarterback of Herbert’s caliber, the Chargers want to open the passing lanes.

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Related Words

• ability 
• competence 
• quality 
• stature 
• talent