1. units of measurement for the intensity or loudness of sound
Usage: technical; plural of decibel

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 45 decibels in the quiet library.
• Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.