a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
"The sudden gale knocked down several trees and made it impossible to leave the house."
A very strong wind, more than a breeze, less than a storm; number 7 through to 9 winds on the 12-step Beaufort scale.
"The tenant paid his gale to the landlord every six months on time."
A shrub, also called sweet gale or bog myrtle (Myrica gale), that grows on moors and fens.
A periodic payment, such as is made of a rent or annuity.
In plain English: A gale is a regular payment you make over time, like for rent or an investment.
"The family relied on the annual gale from their aunt to cover winter heating costs."
Usage: Use "gale" to describe a very strong wind ranging from force 7 to 9 on the Beaufort scale, which is stronger than a breeze but not quite a storm. Avoid confusing this weather term with synonyms like "breeze," as it specifically denotes high-velocity winds capable of causing significant damage.
To sing; charm; enchant.
"The captain decided to gale downwind after spotting a large fishing vessel ahead."
To sail, or sail fast.
In plain English: A gale is a strong and violent wind.
"The experienced sailor decided to gale across the bay despite the choppy waters."
A surname.
"The Gale family moved to their new house on Maple Street."
The word "gale" comes from Old English galan, which originally meant to sing charms or practice incantation before evolving into the modern sense of a strong wind. This root traces back through Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, where it referred broadly to shouting, screaming, or chanting away evil spirits.