calibre

/ ˈkælɪbə /

noun

1. the diameter of a cylindrical body, esp the internal diameter of a tube or the bore of a firearm

2. the diameter of a shell or bullet

3. ability; distinction

   a musician of high calibre

4. personal character

   a man of high calibre

Other Word Forms

• calibred adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calibre¹

C16: from Old French, from Italian calibro, from Arabic qālib shoemaker's last, mould

Example Sentences

The eight clean sheets in a row equalled their own club record set back in 1903 - no mean feat when you consider the calibre of some of their predecessors.

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Scotland's opponents are as yet unknown, but we can assume the boss and the Scottish FA will be keen for decent calibre to provide something of a test.

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I know they'd like you to get planes of reduced calibre.

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At the same time, there are a lot of very high calibre teams in F1 now, so it should not take too long for the grid to close up again.

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O'Neill doesn't have the same calibre of player to call upon as he did in his first spell.

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