1
: a beer that is brewed by fast fermentation with a quick-acting yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at relatively high temperatures

Note: Ales tend to have a complex, slightly fruity or spicy flavor with a usually darker appearance than lagers and usually with a more intense, bitter flavor of hops. The yeast used to ferment ale is often referred to as "top-fermenting" since it tends to rise to the top of the brewing vessel during fermentation. This yeast also has a tolerance to higher alcohol concentrations, resulting in a beer with a usually higher alcohol content than a lager.

ale can be produced more quickly because it is fermented at higher temperatures—from 60 to 70 degrees.Frank J. Prial
compare pale ale, porter, stout
2
: an English country festival at which ale is the principal beverage

Examples of ale in a Sentence

The bar serves two very different ales.
Recent Examples on the Web Beer and ale account for 2.8% of total sales at Wisconsin grocery stores and 2.1% nationwide. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2024 The destination had a variety of beers on tap, including ales, India pale ales and stouts. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 6 June 2024 While brown ales are harder to find these days, hazelnut gelato will pair nicely with one. Jay R. Brooks, The Mercury News, 5 June 2024 Both are the perfect accompaniment to a pint of Purity ale, served here on handpump. Will Hawkes, Saveur, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for ale 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ealu; akin to Old Norse ǫl ale, Lithuanian alus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ale was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near ale

Cite this Entry

“Ale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ale. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

ale

noun
: an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops that is usually more bitter than beer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!