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calibre

British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived 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.

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

In Shields, Price could face the calibre of opponent who would merit such a step up in venue.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

He said the pair decided to write a song after attending a poetry reading together, praising the musician for being of the "highest calibre".

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

"It will be hard to find a man of his calibre," Nasreddine al-Maghribi told AFP at a cafe in Libyan capital Tripoli.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

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

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