caliber

especially British, cal·i·bre

[kal-uh-ber]

noun

1. the diameter of something of circular section, especially that of the inside of a tube.

   a pipe of three-inch caliber.

2. Ordnance.,  the diameter of the bore of a gun taken as a unit of measurement.

3. degree of capacity or competence; ability.

   a mathematician of high caliber.

4. degree of merit or excellence; quality.

   the high moral caliber of the era.

   Synonyms: distinction, worth

Other Word Forms

• calibered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caliber¹

1560–70; variant of calibre < Middle French ≪ Arabic qālib mold, last < Greek kālápous shoe last, equivalent to kāla- combining form of kâlon wood + poús foot ( -pod )

Example Sentences

“The names might be different since 2015, but it doesn’t mean the caliber of team isn’t good.”

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But the rankings don’t reflect the caliber of students a college admits, nor graduate outcomes that matter.

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Earlier this year, Armin Papperger opened a new factory that will allow his company to produce more of an essential caliber of artillery shell than the entire U.S. defense industry combined.

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Riley said Tuesday that Maiava’s inconsistencies of late were due to the caliber of defenses he’s faced — and circumstances that forced USC’s offense to be aggressive downfield.

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His high-end home boasted every manner of amenity a celebrity of his caliber could wish for, starting with an open floor plan that featured eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.

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Related Words

• ability 
• competence 
• quality 
• stature 
• talent