gale
/ɡeɪl/
NOUN
1. A very strong wind
A very strong wind, stronger than a breeze but generally less powerful than a storm, corresponding to forces 7 through 9 on the Beaufort scale.
1.1. Strong or violent wind
A powerful movement of air, often occurring during severe weather and capable of causing damage or making travel difficult.
Synonyms
- blast
- blow
- gust
- squall
- windstorm
- storm
- tempest
- hurricane
- cyclone
- typhoon
- tornado
- mistral
- chinook
Antonyms
Examples
- The ship sailed bravely through the fierce gale.
- Leaves rustled in the trees as the strong gale swept through the forest.
- Despite the challenging weather, the mountaineers pressed on through the icy gale.
- The weather forecast warned of an approaching winter gale.
- The fishermen decided to delay their trip due to the dangerous gale conditions at sea.
Related Words
NOUN
2. A sudden outburst of laughter
A sudden, vigorous, or uncontrollable expression of laughter or another strong emotional reaction.
2.1. An outburst of laughter
A sudden burst of loud or uncontrollable laughter, often triggered by something amusing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- silence
- quiet
- composure
- sobriety
Examples
- A gale of laughter erupted when the comedian delivered his final joke.
- The audience broke into a gale of laughter at the unexpected punchline.
- Her amusing story produced a sudden gale of laughter among her friends.
Related Words
2.2. A sudden intense emotional outburst
A brief but powerful episode of emotion, excitement, anger, or enthusiasm.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- calm
- composure
- restraint
- tranquility
Examples
- A gale of excitement swept through the crowd when the winner was announced.
- He experienced a gale of anger after hearing the unexpected news.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A light breeze
A gentle movement of air, usually mild and pleasant.
3.1. Gentle movement of air
A mild current of air that moves softly and comfortably, unlike the strong winds associated with the primary meaning of gale.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- A gentle gale moved through the trees on the warm summer evening.
Related Words
- airflow
- draft
- wind
- current
- breath
- flurry
NOUN
4. A song or story
A song, musical expression, or narrative, particularly in older or poetic usage.
4.1. Song or musical expression
Referring to a song or an expression delivered with musical or lyrical qualities.
Synonyms
Examples
- The old gale was passed down through generations as part of the village's oral tradition.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A shrub known as sweet gale
A shrub, Myrica gale, also known as sweet gale or bog myrtle, that commonly grows in wetlands, moors, and fens.
5.1. Sweet gale or bog myrtle
Referring to the aromatic wetland shrub Myrica gale and its botanical identity.
Synonyms
- bog myrtle
- sweetgale
Examples
- Sweet gale grows naturally in damp moorland and wetland habitats.
Related Words
- Myrica
- shrub
- wetland plant
- moorland vegetation
- fen
NOUN
6. A periodic payment
A regular payment, particularly one made as rent, an annuity, or another recurring financial obligation.
6.1. Regular rent or annuity payment
A recurring sum of money paid at regular intervals under a rental agreement or financial arrangement.
Synonyms
- rent
- annuity
- installment
- payment
- rental
Examples
- The tenant was required to pay the annual gale according to the terms of the agreement.
Related Words
VERB
7. To sing, charm, or enchant
To sing or produce musical sounds, or to delight and captivate someone through expressive performance.
7.1. Singing or producing musical sounds
Using the voice to produce musical sounds, often with expressive or melodious variation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- mumble
- speak
- remain silent
Examples
- The birds began to gale among the branches at dawn.
Related Words
7.2. Charming or enchanting someone
Delighting, captivating, or attracting someone through charm, beauty, or expressive qualities.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- bore
- repel
- disenchant
Examples
- The performer seemed to gale the audience with her enchanting voice.
Related Words
VERB
8. To cry, groan, or croak
To produce vocal sounds expressing distress, discomfort, or other emotions, including rough or hoarse sounds.
8.1. Making cries or groaning sounds
Producing audible expressions of pain, discomfort, or distress through crying or groaning.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The wounded animal began to gale softly in distress.
Related Words
VERB
9. To talk or call
To speak or make vocal calls, particularly referring to the way a person talks or a bird communicates.
9.1. Talking or speaking
Producing spoken words or communicating verbally with another person.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- listen
- remain silent
- be quiet
Examples
- The visitors continued to gale among themselves throughout the evening.
Related Words
- discuss
- converse
- utter
- communicate
- mutter
9.2. Calling or vocalizing like a bird
Producing a call or vocal sound, especially as a means of communication among birds.
Synonyms
Examples
- The birds began to gale loudly from the treetops.
Related Words
- trill
- caw
- hoot
- squawk
VERB
10. To sail or sail fast
To travel by water using a sail, or to move rapidly across water under sail.
10.1. Sailing or moving quickly by sail
Traveling across water in a sailing vessel, particularly when moving swiftly with the help of wind.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- anchor
- moor
- dock
Examples
- The small vessel began to gale across the open water.