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

And they hoped an MVP-winning superstar of his caliber could help take them over the top.

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“When you have an opportunity to add a caliber of quarterback like Cam, those things are priceless.”

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Reviewers generally find spoiler definitions of that caliber a little precious.

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Investigators collected 29 spent 9mm and .40 caliber cartridge casings and numerous bullet fragments from the scene, an evidence log shows.

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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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Related Words

• ability 
• competence 
• quality 
• stature 
• talent