beaufort scale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Meteorological / Nautical / Educational
Quick answer
What does “beaufort scale” mean?
A standardised scale from 0 to 12 for measuring and describing wind speed based on observed sea or land conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A standardised scale from 0 to 12 for measuring and describing wind speed based on observed sea or land conditions.
A system for classifying wind force, originally based on the effect of wind on a full-rigged sailing ship, now defined by wind speed ranges and associated observable phenomena.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The scale is used identically in meteorological contexts worldwide.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. In the UK, there is perhaps slightly greater everyday recognition due to maritime tradition and weather reporting.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in technical/nautical/meteorological contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “beaufort scale” in a Sentence
[Subject] is measured on the Beaufort scale.The wind reached force [Number] on the Beaufort scale.It was a Beaufort scale [Number] gale.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beaufort scale” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Beaufort-scale measurements
- a Beaufort-scale force nine warning
American English
- Beaufort-scale readings
- a Beaufort-scale force ten storm
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in industries like shipping, logistics, offshore energy, or insurance where weather risk is assessed (e.g., 'Operations halt at Beaufort scale 8').
Academic
Common in geography, environmental science, meteorology, and maritime studies textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Used in weather forecasts, especially maritime forecasts, and by sailors, hikers, or outdoor enthusiasts.
Technical
The standard term in meteorology, aviation (for ground wind), marine navigation, and climatology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beaufort scale”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beaufort scale”
- Incorrect: 'a beaufort scale' (lowercase). Correct: 'the Beaufort scale'.
- Incorrect: 'It's 5 Beaufort.' Correct: 'It's force 5 on the Beaufort scale' or 'a Beaufort scale 5 wind.'
- Incorrect: Using it for non-wind phenomena (e.g., 'The earthquake was Beaufort scale 7').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was devised in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort, a hydrographer in the British Royal Navy.
Yes, it is widely used, especially in maritime contexts, aviation weather reports, and by the public for descriptive wind forecasts, though precise measurement is now done with anemometers.
12, which is classified as a hurricane-force wind, with speeds of 73 mph (118 km/h) or more.
The original scale (1805) was based on the effect of wind on a sailing ship. The modern scale, adopted in the 20th century, defines each force number by a range of wind speeds measured at a standard height, with descriptions of effects on land and sea.
A standardised scale from 0 to 12 for measuring and describing wind speed based on observed sea or land conditions.
Beaufort scale is usually technical / meteorological / nautical / educational in register.
Beaufort scale: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊfət ˌskeɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊfərt ˌskeɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BEAUfort scale measures the BEAUtiful (or fierce) force of the wind.' Sir Francis Beaufort's name is in the scale.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS A LADDER/SCALE (wind climbs the rungs of the scale from calm to hurricane).
Practice
Quiz
What does the Beaufort scale specifically measure?