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.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Third Space Brewing might have found its new top-tasting beer after Pretty Good amber ale won gold at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver over the weekend. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2024 While strange, the yeast performed well, producing a drinkable golden ale with a subtle spice and fruitiness. Emily Price, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 The cherry limeade ale comes in a can whose multicolor design features a sparkling disco ball, a pair of purple hands in the shape of a heart and a description of the beer spelled out on beads strung in the style of friendship bracelets. Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Oct. 2024 The series, which will begin production in Serbia at PFI Studios in February 2025, is a modern take on the classic ale of the roguish outlaw hero who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and the epic love story between him and a courageous and daring Marian. Peter White, Deadline, 24 Sep. 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 21 Nov. 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
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