Calipers
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 A device used to measure dimensions, especially for small or precise measurements. plural, plural-only
""Good, good for there," he mumbled, and then with a certain eagerness asked me whether I would let him measure my head. Rather surprised, I said Yes, when he produced a thing like calipers and got the dimensions back and front and every way, taking notes carefully."
- 2 A metal (orthopedic) leg support. UK, plural, plural-only
"And simultaneously I raise my trouser cuff to reveal the leather straps and wicked steel calipers harnessing my right boot."
Example
More examples""Good, good for there," he mumbled, and then with a certain eagerness asked me whether I would let him measure my head. Rather surprised, I said Yes, when he produced a thing like calipers and got the dimensions back and front and every way, taking notes carefully."
Etymology
A corruption of caliber.
Related phrases
More for "calipers"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.