gale

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/ɡeɪl/
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A high‑speed wind and a noisy laugh, with the verb used for loud laughter.
Practice using this word in conversation

Examples

  • His joke caused a gale that filled the room.
  • A gale blew across the coast, rattling the windows.
  • The small boat struggled against the gale on the open sea.
  • The comedian's story sparked a gale among the crowd.
  • Even the stern teacher galed at the surprise prank.

Similar words

chuckle
storm
burst
snort
guffaw
chuckle
titter
tempest
cackle
squall

Meanings

Strong wind

noun
physical
neutral
A wind of high speed, typically between 34 and 63 miles per hour, as measured on the Beaufort scale.

Usage

Use gale for a strong wind that is stronger than a breeze but weaker than a storm.

Examples

  • The gale forced the sailors to reef the sails.
  • A gale blew across the coast, rattling the windows.
  • Weather reports warned of a gale reaching 55 knots.
  • The small boat struggled against the gale on the open sea.
  • During the storm, the gale howled through the trees.

Common mistakes

Confusing a gale with a light breeze or a storm.
IncorrectCorrect
The gale was light and gentle. The gale was strong and forceful.
We expected a gale of 10 mph. We expected a gale of 40 mph.
The ship was damaged by a light gale. The ship was damaged by a strong gale.

Similar words

storm
tempest
squall
blow
windstorm
gust
breeze

Outburst of laughter

noun
everyday
neutral
A sudden, loud burst of laughter.

Usage

Use gale for a hearty, noisy laugh that fills a room.

Examples

  • His joke caused a gale that filled the room.
  • She erupted in a gale after hearing the punchline.
  • The comedian's story sparked a gale among the crowd.
  • A sudden gale broke out during the meeting.
  • Even the shy child couldn't resist a gale of giggles.

Common mistakes

Using gale for a quiet chuckle or a subdued laugh.
IncorrectCorrect
She let out a quiet gale. She let out a quiet laugh.
His gale was barely audible. His laugh was barely audible.
The audience gave a gentle gale. The audience gave a gentle laugh.

Similar words

laugh
chuckle
cackle
titter
snicker
guffaw
burst of laughter

Laugh loudly

verb
everyday
neutral
To emit a loud, unrestrained laugh.

Usage

Use gale when describing someone laughing loudly or heartily.

Examples

  • She galed at the comedian's absurd story.
  • The audience galed when the actor slipped on stage.
  • He couldn't help but gale after hearing the funny anecdote.
  • Kids galed in the playground after the clown's tricks.
  • Even the stern teacher galed at the surprise prank.

Common mistakes

Applying gale to wind or using it for mild laughter.
IncorrectCorrect
The wind will gale tonight. The wind will blow tonight.
She galed at the joke. She laughed at the joke.
The crowd galed during the performance. The crowd laughed during the performance.

Similar words

laugh
cackle
roar
chuckle
snort
guffaw
burst

Usage

Choose gale for a strong wind or a loud laugh; avoid using it for mild breezes or quiet chuckles.

Common mistakes

Calling a light breeze a gale confuses wind strength.

Etymology

From Middle English, perhaps from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian dialect geil “uproar, unrest” and Old Norse galinn “mad, frantic”. First recorded 1540–50.

FAQ

What speed defines a gale?

A gale is wind between 34 and 63 miles per hour, corresponding to Beaufort force 7–10.

Is a gale the same as a storm?

No, a gale is a strong wind but not as intense as a full storm.

Can gale describe laughter?

Yes, as a noun it means an outburst of laughter, and as a verb it means to laugh loudly.

How is gale used in a sentence?

Example: "The gale forced the sailors to reef the sails."

What is the opposite of a gale?

Calm or a light breeze are the usual opposites.

Where does the word gale come from?

It originates from Middle English, possibly from Scandinavian dialects, related to Old Norse galinn meaning “mad” or “frantic”.

Is gale used in maritime contexts?

Yes, sailors use the term to describe strong winds that affect sailing.

Does gale have any other meanings?

Besides the wind sense, it also refers to a loud burst of laughter and the verb form meaning to laugh loudly.

How do you form the verb of gale?

It follows regular conjugation: gales, galed, galing.

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