gale
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for gale, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A very strong wind, stronger than a breeze but not as violent as a storm.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use gale
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gale-force winds
gales of laughter
a gale blowing
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, first recorded in English describing strong winds; possibly related to an Old Norse word for a squall.
Full origin of gale →Frequently asked questions
What does “gale” mean?
The word “gale” means a very strong wind, stronger than a breeze but not as violent as a storm. In plain terms, a strong wind, or — figuratively — a burst of laughter.
How do you pronounce “gale”?
“Gale” is pronounced gayl (/ɡeɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “gale” in a sentence?
Here is “gale” used in a sentence: “The ship struggled to stay on course in the gale.”
What part of speech is “gale”?
“Gale” is a noun.
Where does the word “gale” come from?
The word “gale” comes from Old Norse. Of uncertain origin, first recorded in English describing strong winds; possibly related to an Old Norse word for a squall.
Is “gale” a common word?
“Gale” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “gale” have?
“Gale” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very strong wind, stronger than a breeze but not as violent as a storm.
What is the difference between a gale and a storm?
A gale is a very strong wind that is more powerful than a breeze but not as violent or destructive as a full storm. Storms typically bring additional elements like heavy rain, thunder, or a wider range of damaging conditions beyond wind alone.
Is gale used mainly in weather forecasting?
Gale is commonly used in weather forecasting and maritime contexts to describe specific wind strength, but it also appears in everyday and literary language, especially in the figurative sense describing laughter or emotion.
