calibre
Britishnoun
-
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
-
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.
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
"So when you come in and see a training facility of this calibre, it shows you these people are serious and want to be successful."
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 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
It remains to be seen whether he will have the same calibre of players this time around.
From BBC ● May 27, 2026
We then switched to the black tennis situation in South Africa and, in particular, the conspicuous lack of champions of Arthur Ashe’s calibre.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
![]()
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.