gale

/geɪl/

/geɪl/

Other forms: gales

If there’s a gale coming your way, you better hold onto your new hat and your little dog, Toto, too, because this is an extremely strong wind.

The word gale possibly originates from the Old Norse word galinn, which means “mad”, “frantic,” or “bewitched.” Weather forecasters sometimes use the term “gale-force winds” to describe conditions that aren’t quite as extreme as hurricanes or tropical storms, but probably fierce enough to snap your kite in half. Gale can also refer to other kinds of strong outbursts. For example, if someone erupts into gales of laughter, it means her friend probably said something very funny.

Definitions of gale

1. noun

   a strong wind moving 34–40 knots; force 8 on Beaufort scale
   types:

   moderate gale, near gale

   wind moving 32-38 knots; 7 on the Beaufort scale

   fresh gale

   wind moving 39-46 knots; 8 on the Beaufort scale

   strong gale

   wind moving 47-54 knots; 9 on the Beaufort scale

   whole gale

   wind moving 55-63 knots; 10 on the Beaufort scale

   type of:

   air current, current, current of air, wind

   air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure