calibrate
verb
cal·i·brate
ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt 
calibrated; calibrating
1
: to ascertain the caliber of (something)
2
: to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (something, such as a thermometer tube)
3
: to standardize (something, such as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors
4
: to adjust precisely for a particular function
calibrate a thermometer
5
: to measure precisely
carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine
especially
: to measure against a standard
Examples of calibrate in a Sentence
carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine
Recent Examples on the Web
The geometry is more comfortable, the components are purpose-driven rather than to check items off a list of specs, and the computer and sensors are calibrated incredibly well.
—
Adrienne So, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2023
Mark Kelly The war in the Middle East could still morph into a larger regional conflict, and the Biden Administration is calibrating its actions to manage that risk.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 10 Nov. 2023
Vellani calibrates her performance deftly, committing to comic relief without becoming over-reliant on any kind of shtick.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Nov. 2023
Since then, ground controllers have carefully calibrated the observatory's two instruments—a 600-megapixel visible light camera and a 64-megapixel near-infrared spectrograph and photometer.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 8 Nov. 2023
The Fed’s policymakers are trying to calibrate their key interest rate to simultaneously cool inflation, support job growth and ward off a recession.
—Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2023
The experiment was similar to how TMS clinics calibrate their devices: At the beginning of a patient’s treatment, the technician positions the wand over the motor cortex and turns up the power until a muscle in the patient’s hand contracts.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Oct. 2023
His argument – calibrated for last year’s Supreme Court ruling – is that there were no laws against domestic abuse in 1791.
—Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2023
In the 20th century, Kodak calibrated the light and coloration of its photos according to a photograph of a white woman named Shirley.
—Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2023
See More
Adrienne So, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2023
Mark Kelly The war in the Middle East could still morph into a larger regional conflict, and the Biden Administration is calibrating its actions to manage that risk.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 10 Nov. 2023
Vellani calibrates her performance deftly, committing to comic relief without becoming over-reliant on any kind of shtick.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Nov. 2023
Since then, ground controllers have carefully calibrated the observatory's two instruments—a 600-megapixel visible light camera and a 64-megapixel near-infrared spectrograph and photometer.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 8 Nov. 2023
The Fed’s policymakers are trying to calibrate their key interest rate to simultaneously cool inflation, support job growth and ward off a recession.
—Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2023
The experiment was similar to how TMS clinics calibrate their devices: At the beginning of a patient’s treatment, the technician positions the wand over the motor cortex and turns up the power until a muscle in the patient’s hand contracts.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Oct. 2023
His argument – calibrated for last year’s Supreme Court ruling – is that there were no laws against domestic abuse in 1791.
—Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2023
In the 20th century, Kodak calibrated the light and coloration of its photos according to a photograph of a white woman named Shirley.
—Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calibrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
caliber + -ate entry 4, perhaps after French calibrer
First Known Use
1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near calibrate
Cite this Entry
“Calibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calibrate. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
calibrate
verb
cal·i·brate
ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt
calibrated; calibrating
1
: to measure the caliber of
2
a
: to determine, correct, or put the measuring marks on (as a thermometer tube)
b
: make standard (as a measuring instrument) by finding out and correcting for the differences from an accepted or ideal value
calibration
noun
ˌkal-ə-ˈbrā-shən
Medical Definition
calibrate
transitive verb
cal·i·brate
ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt
calibrated; calibrating
1
: to ascertain the caliber of (as a thermometer tube)
2
: to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (as a thermometer tube)
3
: to standardize (as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors
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