Gail vs. Gale — What's the Difference?

A gale is a strong wind, typically used as a descriptor in nautical contexts. The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots (63–87 km/h, 17.5–24.2 m/s or 39–54 miles/hour) of sustained surface winds.

A wind with a speed of from 34 to 40 knots (39 to 46 miles per hour; 63 to 74 kilometers per hour), according to the Beaufort scale. Also called fresh gale.

A storm at sea.

Often gales A forceful outburst

The sweet gale.

To sing; charm; enchant.

To cry; groan; croak.

To talk.

To call.

To sing; utter with musical modulations.

(nautical) To sail, or sail fast.

(meteorology) A very strong wind, more than a breeze, less than a storm; number 7 through to 9 winds on the 12-step Beaufort scale.

An outburst, especially of laughter.

A light breeze.

A shrub, also called sweet gale or bog myrtle (Myrica gale), that grows on moors and fens.

(archaic) A periodic payment, such as is made of a rent or annuity.

A strong current of air; a wind between a stiff breeze and a hurricane. The most violent gales are called tempests.

A moderate current of air; a breeze.

A state of excitement, passion, or hilarity.

A song or story.

A plant of the genus Myrica, growing in wet places, and strongly resembling the bayberry. The sweet gale (Myrica Gale) is found both in Europe and in America.

The payment of a rent or annuity.

To sale, or sail fast.

To sing.

A strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale