Gale: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to very strong winds, typically used in maritime contexts or to describe forceful weather conditions on land. Not as severe as a hurricane.

• The fishing boats had to return to the harbor due to the gale
• The gale-force winds knocked over trees and power lines

A general term for any disturbed state of an atmosphere, which can vary in severity from rain showers to severe thunderstorms.

• The storm brought heavy rainfall and lightning
• We stayed indoors to avoid the storm

Describes a severe tropical storm with extremely strong winds and heavy rains. Often mentioned in the context of large-scale natural disasters.

• The city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina
• The meteorologists are tracking a hurricane heading towards the coast

Typically used in a literary or poetic sense to describe violent and turbulent weather, particularly with a sense of drama or chaos.

• The protagonist battled through the tempest to reach safety
• The ship was lost at sea during a fierce tempest

Commonly used to describe a burst of loud, hearty laughter, usually in a social context.

• They burst into gales of laughter after hearing the joke.
• The room was filled with gales of laughter during the comedy show.

Often used to describe something that happens suddenly and forcefully, like an explosion or a sudden rush.

• The balloon burst with a loud pop, startling everyone in the room.
• She felt a sudden burst of energy as she crossed the finish line.

Often used to describe a sudden expression of strong emotion, such as anger or excitement, usually unexpected and intense.

• His angry outburst scared everyone in the meeting.
• She couldn't contain her outburst of joy when she received the good news.

Typically used to describe a sudden, uncontrollable outburst of emotion or physical effort, often in a medical or emotional context.

• He had a fit of anger and started shouting at everyone.
• She was sent home from school due to having a fit during class.

Used to describe a sudden burst of laughter, often from a group of people, that is both loud and uncontrollable.

• The comedian's joke set off a gale of laughter in the audience.
• She could not help but explode into gales of laughter at his silly antics.

Describes a more enthusiastic and loud form of laughter, which comes from deep within and often indicates genuine amusement or joy.

• They laughed heartily at the unexpected surprise.
• He laughed heartily at his friend's hilarious impression.

Refers to a quiet or suppressed type of laughter, often mild and usually not very loud. Typically used in more polite or restrained settings.

• He let out a small chuckle at her witty remark.
• She couldn't help but chuckle softly while reading the funny story.

Implies an even louder and more intense type of laughter, often uncontrollable and typically associated with extreme amusement or something very funny.

• The audience roared with laughter at the comedy show.
• He made a joke that had everyone roaring with laughter.