1. a unit for measuring the intensity of sound
Usage: technical

Examples

• The concert reached 110 decibels, which can damage hearing.
• Normal conversation is about 60 decibels.
• The city noise ordinance limits construction to 85 decibels during daytime hours.
• Jet engines produce sound levels exceeding 130 decibels.
• The sound meter measured the traffic noise at 75 decibels.
• Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.
• The whisper registered only 30 decibels on the device.