the Richter scale
noun
technical
: a system of measurement used for showing the strength of an earthquake
The earthquake measured 4.5 on the Richter scale.
Examples of the Richter scale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Swift literally rocked Lisbon, with the star's show in the city registering on the Richter scale.
—
Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
The Day the Wave Hit The series opens with the early hours of December 26, 2004, when an undersea earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale ruptured a fault larger than the length of California.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
And their resulting roar might have registered on the Richter scale.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
According to the Richter scale, the largest possible earthquake could reach a magnitude of 8.0.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for the Richter scale 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
The Day the Wave Hit The series opens with the early hours of December 26, 2004, when an undersea earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale ruptured a fault larger than the length of California.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
And their resulting roar might have registered on the Richter scale.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
According to the Richter scale, the largest possible earthquake could reach a magnitude of 8.0.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for the Richter scale
Dictionary Entries Near the Richter scale
Cite this Entry
“The Richter scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20Richter%20scale. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share