caliber

[ 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 Words From

• cali·bered especially British, cali·bred 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

Potentially testing himself against a receiver of Chase’s caliber is exciting, Hart said.

From Los Angeles Times

In that case, where did the first-year coach think the Chargers had to improve, especially when considering the caliber of teams they will play over the next five weeks?

From Los Angeles Times

He was found with a bullet in his jacket pocket similar in caliber to the one Lois was shot with and had gunpowder on his hands, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

She joked in a British Film Institute conversation that Dame Judi Dench often snagged the plumiest roles before they came to her and other actors of her caliber.

From Salon

Rosas estimated about 2,000 rounds of various calibers of ammunition were recovered.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ability
• competence
• quality
• stature
• talent