noun
decibel
DES-i-bel
Decibel (noun) means a unit for measuring sound or signal intensity, representing a tenth part of the larger bel unit, calculated on a logarithmic scale. Example: “The concert was so loud it hit over a hundred decibels.”
noun
1
A unit for measuring sound or signal intensity, representing a tenth part of the larger bel unit, calculated on a logarithmic scale.
"The concert was so loud it hit over a hundred decibels."
"A library is usually rated at around forty decibels."
"The app measures noise levels in decibels."
How to use decibel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe unit you see on a sound meter, showing how loud something is.
When to use it
Decibel is a standard technical and everyday term for sound measurement.
Memory tip
Remember decibel is one tenth of a bel, the unit it is named from.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
measured in decibels
decibel level
decibel scale
noise in decibels
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The concert was so loud it hit over a hundred _____.
Etymology
The word joins the prefix deci-, meaning one tenth, to bel, the larger unit that the decibel divides.
Synonyms
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dB
Related words
Rhymes for decibel
See all rhymes for decibel →Frequently asked questions
What is a decibel?
It is a unit for measuring how intense a sound or signal is, worked out on a logarithmic scale.
What does dB stand for?
dB is simply the symbol used to write decibel.
How many decibels make a bel?
Ten decibels make one bel, since deci- means one tenth.
What is the meaning of decibel?
"decibel" (noun) means a unit for measuring sound or signal intensity, representing a tenth part of the larger bel unit, calculated on a logarithmic scale.
