Synonyms

caliber

American

[kal-uh-ber] / ˈkæl ə bər /

especially British, calibre

noun

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

a pipe of three-inch caliber.
Ordnance. the diameter of the bore of a gun taken as a unit of measurement.
degree of capacity or competence; ability.

a mathematician of high caliber.
degree of merit or excellence; quality.

the high moral caliber of the era.

Synonyms:

distinction, worth

Other Word Forms

calibered adjective

Etymology

Origin of caliber

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Same caliber, all the same type of cartridges," he explained, but one is banned while the other is not.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“Grand and lavish, this limestone townhouse, on a highly coveted block known for its magnificent residences, is truly unparalleled,” it stated, noting that the property was “designed for luxurious living and the highest caliber entertaining.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Mizumi also offers a surprisingly extensive vegetarian menu, something you don’t often see at restaurants of this caliber.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

To see an artist of this caliber in such a vulnerable position of trying something new coincided with portraying a character at a turning point in his life.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Booth chose as his primary weapon a .44 caliber, single-shot, muzzle-loading pistol manufactured by Henry Deringer of Philadelphia.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023