caliber

noun

cal·i·ber | \ ˈka-lə-bər

, British also kə-ˈlē-\

variants: or calibre

Definition of caliber

1a : degree of mental capacity or moral quality teachers of high caliber

b : degree of excellence or importance the caliber of instruction

2a : the diameter of a bullet or other projectile

b : the diameter of a bore of a gun usually expressed in hundredths or thousandths of an inch and typically written as a decimal fraction .32 caliber

3 : the diameter of a round or cylindrical body especially : the internal diameter of a hollow cylinder

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about caliber

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for caliber

Synonyms

class, grade, quality, rate

Examples of caliber in a Sentence

I was impressed by the high caliber of the team's work. musicians of the highest caliber perform at that concert hall

Recent Examples on the Web

The Dolphins released Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in March but didn’t sign a starting-caliber defensive tackle during free agency and didn’t draft a defensive tackle. — Chris Perkins, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Dolphins acquire DT Akeem Spence via trade with Detroit," 3 May 2018 The Islamic State has no air defenses to speak of, save for small-caliber air defense guns and man-portable surface-to-air missiles with short ranges. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "F-35s Could Attack Islamic State This Fall," 18 July 2016 The ships are armed with a 76-millimeter Oto Melara SuperRapid dual purpose gun, eight Naval Strike Missiles, 32 Evolved Sea Sparrow air defense missiles, four .50 caliber machine guns, four anti-submarine torpedoes, and a NH-90 helicopter. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Norwegian Frigate Intentionally Run Aground After Collision," 8 Nov. 2018 Police said multiple shell casings from two different caliber guns were found at the scene. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph's brother killed in shooting in Indiana," 16 June 2018 Deputies then checked the bag and found an unloaded .22 caliber gun. — Greg Moran, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Juvenile brings unloaded gun to school, is arrested," 11 June 2018 According to the release, a magazine to a handgun was seen inside the vehicle, then a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber gun was located. — Staff Report, chicagotribune.com, "Felon on parole for gun possession conviction charged in Evanston for having loaded weapon in vehicle," 5 June 2018 It was replaced with a solid nose and armed with up to eight .50 caliber machine guns. — Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, "B-25 Bomber to arrive for Warbird Weekend at West Houston Airport," 10 Apr. 2018 To now align itself with a brand of Rodarte's caliber is a major achievement in expanding sizing in the luxury space. — Glamour, "The Brand Known for Wowing on the Red Carpet is Releasing a Collection in Sizes 00 Through 40 and Under $250," 9 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'caliber.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for caliber

borrowed from Middle French calibre "internal diameter of a cylindrical object, displacement of a gun," borrowed (by uncertain mediation) from Arabic qālab, qālib "mold for casting metal, shoemaker's last," borrowed from Greek kalapod-, kalápous, kalópous "shoemaker's last," from kâla (plural) "wood, timber" (of uncertain origin) + -a- (perhaps after tetrápous "four-footed") or -o- -o- + poús "foot" — more at foot entry 1