calibrate

verb

cal·​i·​brate ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt 

calibrated; calibrating

transitive verb

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

calibrator

ˈka-lə-ˌbrā-tər 

noun

Examples of calibrate in a Sentence

carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine

Recent Examples on the Web

Mechanics can easily calibrate and adjust system tension using an integrated clamping piece, ensuring consistent mechanical support throughout long operational cycles. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

The sound on the DOGE scene in front of him calibrated, Gibney gives a small look of approval. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Each setpiece was carefully calibrated in terms of its level of fantasy, in order to draw us further and further into the characters’ emotional journey. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2026

Ground teams will activate and calibrate the observatory during the transit, and scientists aim to have the first science images ready for publication by the end of the year. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

caliber + -ate entry 4, perhaps after French calibrer

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for calibrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

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 tire pressure gauge)

b

: make standard (as a measuring instrument) by finding out and correcting for the differences from an accepted or ideal value

calibration

ˌkal-ə-ˈbrā-shən

noun

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

calibration

ˌkal-ə-ˈbrā-shən 

noun

calibrator

ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt-ər 

noun