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
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.
Its Colorado Trail Nut Brown Ale earned bronze among classic UK amber and brown ales. Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025 The resulting ale is then double-distilled in traditional pot stills before being aged in new oak. Chris Perugini, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 The vehicle, which was filled with steak and ale pies as well as a turkey and butternut variety, was supposed to head to a Christmas market in York. Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 4 Dec. 2024 The Coach and Horses is renowned for its real ales and food—ranging from simple bar food to a lavish restaurant menu. David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ale 

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 10 Feb. 2025.

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
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