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
- calibred adjective
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.
In Shields, Price could face the calibre of opponent who would merit such a step up in venue.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
Great save from Zion Suzuki who tipped McTominay's effort on to the post, but a player of his calibre should not be missing chances like that.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 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
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.
From BBC • Nov. 19, 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
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.
