caliper

1 of 2

noun

cal·​i·​per ˈka-lə-pər 

1

a

: any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used especially to measure diameter or thickness

—usually plural

a pair of calipers

b

: a device for pressing a frictional material (such as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc

2

: thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree

Illustration of caliper

• caliper 1a

caliper

2 of 2

verb

calipered; calipering ˈka-lə-p(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to measure by or as if by calipers

Examples of caliper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Meanwhile, the front braking setup comprises a pair of 300-mm steel discs, each working with a caliper equipped with 27-mm pistons. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

The law previously required advertisers to pay $150 per caliper inch, a tree’s diameter measured near the ground. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026

Its boosted flat-six engine receives a power bump, and rear-axle steering is now standard, as are larger brakes with six-piston calipers up front. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Its Desert Sand paint, Rally graphics, raised rear spoiler and red brake calipers give it a decidedly more extroverted personality than the garden-variety electric crossover. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of caliber

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1793, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing caliper

• vernier caliper

Kids Definition

caliper

noun

cal·​i·​per

ˈkal-ə-pər

: a measuring instrument with two legs or jaws that can be adjusted to determine thickness, diameter, or distance between surfaces

—usually used in plural

a pair of calipers

Medical Definition

caliper

1 of 2 noun

cal·​i·​per

variants or chiefly British calliper

ˈkal-ə-pər 

1

: any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used to measure thickness, diameter, and distance between surfaces

—usually used in plural

a pair of calipers

2

: caliper splint

caliper

2 of 2 transitive verb

variants or chiefly British calliper

calipered; calipering -p(ə-)riŋ 

: to measure by or as if by calipers