caliber

[ˈkaləbər]

caliber Definition

  • 1the quality of someone's character or the level of their ability
  • 2the internal diameter or bore of a gun barrel
  • 3a degree or grade of excellence or worth

Using caliber: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "caliber" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She has a high caliber of talent in music.

  • Example

    The caliber of his work is impressive.

  • Example

    The gun has a caliber of .45 inches.

  • Example

    He is a writer of the highest caliber.

  • Example

    The company only hires employees of a certain caliber.

caliber Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for caliber

Phrases with caliber

  • large-caliber

    referring to a gun with a large bore diameter

    Example

    The police officer carried a large-caliber handgun for protection.

  • small-caliber

    referring to a gun with a small bore diameter

    Example

    The hunter used a small-caliber rifle to shoot the deer.

  • high-caliber

    referring to a person or thing of superior quality or ability

    Example

    The company only hires high-caliber employees.

Origins of caliber

from French 'calibre', from Italian 'calibro', from Arabic 'qālib', meaning 'mould, shoemaker's last'

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Summary: caliber in Brief

The term 'caliber' [ˈkaləbər] refers to the quality or level of someone's character or ability, as well as the internal diameter of a gun barrel. It can also denote a degree or grade of excellence or worth, such as 'He is a writer of the highest caliber.' The phrase 'large-caliber' refers to a gun with a large bore diameter, while 'high-caliber' denotes a person or thing of superior quality or ability.

How do native speakers use this expression?