calibre
Britishnoun
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the diameter of a cylindrical body, esp the internal diameter of a tube or the bore of a firearm
-
the diameter of a shell or bullet
-
ability; distinction
a musician of high calibre
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personal character
a man of high calibre
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of calibre
C16: from Old French, from Italian calibro, from Arabic qālib shoemaker's last, mould
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the case of the X-1, flown through the sound barrier in 1947 by the legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager, Nasa knew a .50 calibre bullet travelled faster than the speed of sound.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
The email suggested the "very high calibre of talent" on the show would be able to enjoy the food provided.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026
Co, the police spokesman, also revealed the other weapon used in the shooting, a .38 calibre pistol, was registered to a security agency in Cebu City.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026
When asked about Klopp in an interview with The Athletic last month, Riquelme said: "Naturally, I would love for profiles of that calibre, and others like them, to coach this club."
From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026
I first got an idea of its calibre when I heard him preach in his own church at Morton.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
