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
This observational power is crucial for gathering the data needed to calibrate eruptive mass loss.
—
Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 May 2026
Fortunately, psychedelics as a field is still in its infancy, and there’s time to calibrate the science and racial sensitivity in a way that makes the drug safe, effective, and inclusive.
—Jerel Ezell, STAT, 1 May 2026
There are these sea change moments for young bands that don’t know how to respond or calibrate to them.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
The temperature, texture and seasoning are calibrated for that exact moment.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for calibrate
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Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 May 2026
Fortunately, psychedelics as a field is still in its infancy, and there’s time to calibrate the science and racial sensitivity in a way that makes the drug safe, effective, and inclusive.
—Jerel Ezell, STAT, 1 May 2026
There are these sea change moments for young bands that don’t know how to respond or calibrate to them.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
The temperature, texture and seasoning are calibrated for that exact moment.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for calibrate
Cite this Entry
“Calibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calibrate. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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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