Beaufort scale

noun

Beau·​fort scale ˈbō-fərt- How to pronounce Beaufort scale (audio)
: a scale in which the force of the wind is indicated by numbers from 0 to 12
beaufort scale table

Examples of Beaufort scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On the Beaufort scale, long used to categorize wind strength, a 32 mph wind reaches near-gale force. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024 The Beaufort scale is still used today to estimate wind strengths. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2023 The wind speed is 0.5 meters per second which is considered to be light air on the Beaufort scale. USA Today, 17 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Beaufort scale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Sir Francis beaufort

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Beaufort scale was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near Beaufort scale

Cite this Entry

“Beaufort scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Beaufort%20scale. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

Beaufort scale

noun
Beau·​fort scale ˌbō-fərt- How to pronounce Beaufort scale (audio)
: a scale in which the force of the wind is indicated by numbers from 0 to 12

More from Merriam-Webster on Beaufort scale

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