Word
decibels
Phoneticsdeci·bels
US/ˈdɛsəbəɫz/
UK/dˈɛsɪbəlz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. units that measure how loud a sound is. Higher numbers mean louder sounds you hear.
n. units of measurement for sound intensity on a logarithmic scale, where an increase of about 10 marks a sound perceived as roughly twice as loud.
Examples
“The music reaches 90 decibels in this club.”
“The workers wear ear protection because the machines produce over 85 decibels all day.”
“City planners measured traffic noise at 70 decibels near the school, prompting calls for sound barriers to protect children's concentration.”
Examples
simple
“The music reaches 90 decibels in this club.”
contextual
“The workers wear ear protection because the machines produce over 85 decibels all day.”
complex
“City planners measured traffic noise at 70 decibels near the school, prompting calls for sound barriers to protect children's concentration.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “decibels” in context.
Verb
01. decibels damage
“Very high decibels can damage your hearing permanently.”
noun + verb
02. exceed decibels
“The factory must not exceed 85 decibels during the day.”
verb + noun
03. hit decibels
“The crowd noise hit 110 decibels after the winning goal.”
verb + noun
04. measure in decibels
“Sound levels are usually measured in decibels.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
05. extra decibels
“The new speakers add several extra decibels to the sound.”
adj + noun
06. high decibels
“The concert was played at very high decibels.”
adj + noun
07. low decibels
“Keep the TV at low decibels so you do not disturb others.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. couple of decibels
“Turn it down by just a couple of decibels.”
noun + prep + noun
09. increase in decibels
“Even a small increase in decibels makes music sound much louder.”
noun + prep + noun
10. level in decibels
“Check the level in decibels before you start the concert.”
noun + prep + noun
11. drop by a few decibels
“Please drop the volume by a few decibels.”
12. measured in decibels
“Noise from traffic is measured in decibels.”
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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