How to pronounce caliber
Say it like KAL-uh-ber. Caliber has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce caliber. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAL
- uh
- ber
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Caliber pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- berKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of caliber
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAL-ih-buh.
What does caliber mean?
- a degree or grade of excellence or worth“the quality of students has risen”“an executive of low caliber”
- diameter of a tube or gun barrel
Where does caliber come from?
From French caliber (“bore of a gun, size, capacity (literally, and figuratively), also weight”), from Italian calibro.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with caliber
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of caliber.
Words that sound like caliber
Questions about saying caliber
How do you pronounce caliber?
Say KAL-uh-ber. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæləbɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkælɪbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in caliber?
Caliber has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL). Broken into parts: KAL · uh · ber.
Is caliber pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkælɪbə/ (KAL-ih-buh).
What words sound the same as caliber?
Caliber sounds the same as calibre in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.