caliber

American  

[kal-uh-ber] / ˈkæl ə bər /

especially British, calibre

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

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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

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

European nations have supplied Ukraine with 11 different types of howitzer firing one caliber, the 155mm shell.

From The Wall Street Journal

Whether or not the AI industry meets its targets for growth, businesses both established and emerging will continue to seek optical fiber of the caliber coming from Corning and a handful of global competitors.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We wanted to ensure the competition was up to championship caliber," Lasky said.

From Barron's

“So, we just felt like having someone of his caliber and his connections on our board, to give us advice, to give us direction when we need it, would be helpful.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ability
• competence
• quality
• stature
• talent