caliber

American  

[kal-uh-ber] / ˈkæl ə bər /

especially British, calibre

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

Etymology

Origin of caliber

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

Whether or not the AI industry meets its targets for growth, businesses both established and emerging will continue to seek optical fiber of the caliber coming from Corning and a handful of global competitors.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We wanted to ensure the competition was up to championship caliber," Lasky said.

From Barron's

“So, we just felt like having someone of his caliber and his connections on our board, to give us advice, to give us direction when we need it, would be helpful.”

From The Wall Street Journal

While the admission likely resulted in some stern emails hitting a manager’s inbox, it’s ultimately refreshing that a star of Damon’s caliber and influence came out and actually said it.

From Salon

The spate of moves is made all the more remarkable by the caliber of some of the coaches now looking for new jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ability
• competence
• quality
• stature
• talent