moderate gale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Specialist)Technical, Formal, Meteorological
Quick answer
What does “moderate gale” mean?
A specific category of wind on the Beaufort scale (Force 7) with speeds of 32–38 mph (28–33 knots), characterized by significant disruption to pedestrian movement and causing whole trees to sway.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific category of wind on the Beaufort scale (Force 7) with speeds of 32–38 mph (28–33 knots), characterized by significant disruption to pedestrian movement and causing whole trees to sway.
A term used in meteorology, maritime contexts, and formal weather reporting to precisely classify wind intensity; often implies conditions where walking becomes difficult and loose objects are blown about.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical meaning. The Beaufort scale is used internationally. In general public forecasts, UK Met Office may use 'severe gale' for higher forces, while US National Weather Service might use simpler terms like 'strong wind'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it conveys a precise, measured, and potentially dangerous weather condition.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday speech in both regions, confined to nautical, aviation, and meteorological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “moderate gale” in a Sentence
[The wind] strengthened to a moderate gale.A moderate gale [was recorded/was blowing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moderate gale” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wind is expected to moderate gale force by midnight.
- It began to moderate gale in the channel, making crossing treacherous.
American English
- The system will moderate gale strength off the coast.
- Winds moderated gale force after the front passed.
adverb
British English
- The wind blew moderate gale force from the northwest.
- It was blowing moderate gale strength throughout the afternoon.
American English
- Winds are expected to increase moderate gale force by evening.
- It's blowing moderate gale strength out on the lake.
adjective
British English
- Moderate gale conditions persisted for six hours.
- They issued a moderate gale warning for coastal regions.
American English
- Moderate gale winds caused widespread power outages.
- A moderate gale advisory remains in effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Relevant for logistics, shipping, and insurance industries assessing delay risks.
Academic
Used in geography, environmental science, and meteorology papers.
Everyday
Virtually unused. People would say 'very windy' or 'stormy'.
Technical
Standard term in maritime weather reports, aviation METARs, and scientific observations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moderate gale”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moderate gale”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moderate gale”
- Using 'moderate gale' to describe a light breeze. Confusing it with 'strong gale' (Force 9). Using it in casual conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In the Beaufort scale context, 'moderate' is a fixed classificatory label for a specific, strong wind speed (Force 7). It is not subjectively mild.
It would sound highly technical and unusual. Use 'very strong wind', 'stormy wind', or simply 'it's blowing a gale' instead.
In the Beaufort scale, 'Gale' covers Forces 7-9. 'Moderate gale' is the specific name for Force 7. 'Strong gale' is Force 9.
To allow precise, standardized communication of wind speed and its expected effects, particularly in nautical, aviation, and scientific communities.
A specific category of wind on the Beaufort scale (Force 7) with speeds of 32–38 mph (28–33 knots), characterized by significant disruption to pedestrian movement and causing whole trees to sway.
Moderate gale is usually technical, formal, meteorological in register.
Moderate gale: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒd.ər.ət ɡeɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.dɚ.ət ɡeɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Related: 'to blow a gale', 'gale-force'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the MODERATE GALE as the wind that makes MODERATION difficult: it MODifies your gait and GEts ALE (all) the trees moving.
Conceptual Metaphor
WIND IS A FORCE/AGENT (The gale buffeted the coast).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the term 'moderate gale'?