decibel
noun
-bəl
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The unit for measuring the relative intensities of sound is called a decibel. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a sound with an intensity that is twice that of a reference sound corresponds to an increase of little more than 3 decibels. In common practice, the reference point of 0 decibel is set at the intensity of the least perceptible sound, the threshold of hearing. On such a scale a 10-decibel sound is 10 times the intensity of the reference sound; a 20-decibel sound is 100 times the reference intensity, and so on. Normal conversation is usually around 60 decibels, an electric saw around 100 decibels, and amplified rock music around 120 decibels.
Examples of decibel in a Sentence
Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
As far as hard numbers go, the Falcon Mini reportedly tips the scales at 249 g (8.8 oz), produces 62 decibels of operating noise, and flies for 34 minutes per 48-minute charge.
—New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2025
Golden relates to athletes in the late teens and early 20s and gets the best out of them without the the need for the histrionics or decibel levels of many of his peers.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
The staff lines, the score, the time curve, the decibel scale, the angles and segments in pie charts—these elements do more than translate and communicate.
—Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decibel
Cite this Entry
“Decibel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decibel. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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decibel
noun
Medical Definition
decibel
noun
-ˌbel
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