caliper

1 of 2

noun

cal·​i·​per ˈka-lə-pər How to pronounce caliper (audio)
Synonyms of calipernext
1
a
: any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used especially to measure diameter or thickness
—usually plural
a pair of calipers
b
: a device for pressing a frictional material (such as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc
2
: thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree

Illustration of caliper

Illustration of caliper
  • caliper 1a

caliper

2 of 2

verb

calipered; calipering ˈka-lə-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce caliper (audio)

transitive verb

: to measure by or as if by calipers

Examples of caliper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Its boosted flat-six engine receives a power bump, and rear-axle steering is now standard, as are larger brakes with six-piston calipers up front. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 Brabus The bike is mostly black, but the carbon-fiber wheel covers, brake calipers, and even the leather seat are white to create the right contrast. — New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026 Its Desert Sand paint, Rally graphics, raised rear spoiler and red brake calipers give it a decidedly more extroverted personality than the garden-variety electric crossover. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026 Electronic actuators control the brake calipers instead of hydraulic lines carrying brake fluid. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caliper

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of caliber

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caliper was in 1581

Phrases Containing caliper

Browse Nearby Words

calipee
caliper
caliper compass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caliper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliper. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

caliper

noun
cal·​i·​per
ˈkal-ə-pər
: a measuring instrument with two legs or jaws that can be adjusted to determine thickness, diameter, or distance between surfaces
—usually used in plural
a pair of calipers

Medical Definition

caliper

1 of 2 noun
cal·​i·​per
variants or chiefly British calliper
ˈkal-ə-pər How to pronounce caliper (audio)
1
: any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used to measure thickness, diameter, and distance between surfaces
—usually used in plural
a pair of calipers
2
: caliper splint

caliper

2 of 2 transitive verb
variants or chiefly British calliper
calipered; calipering -p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce caliper (audio)
: to measure by or as if by calipers

More from Merriam-Webster on caliper

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for caliper

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caliper

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