Gale

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Gale

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

gayl  /ɡeɪl/

Definition

A very strong wind, specifically one between Beaufort force 7 and 10 (winds of 32–55 mph / 50–89 km/h); a burst of laughter.

Plain meaning

A gale is a very strong wind — stronger than a stiff breeze, not quite a storm. Also: a gale of laughter is a sudden loud burst of laughter.

Register

Neutral and standard in meteorological contexts. Vivid and expressive in the laughter sense. Nautical writing uses gale with technical precision.