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 With cask ales, the flavors aren’t masked by gassy carbon dioxide, and can more easily shine through in the glass. Jay R. Brooks, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Gluten-free crusts will also be available, as will two of its beers — Hard Way IPA and Operation: Yoga Pants, a gluten-free golden ale — said owner Matt Moore. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024 True, Karl Strauss was slow to embrace innovative India Pale Ales and Belgian-style ales. Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2024 The pack features both an IPA and a Belgian-style ale. Jenna Clark, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2024 According to researchers at the Oregon Hatchery Research Center in Alsea, Oregon, the scent of ale is tempting to fish, too, and could successfully lure salmon back to their home hatcheries. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2023 Sip a glass of limited-edition Eyes of the Dragon, a dragon fruit tart ale with notes of guava brewed specially for the occasion, while taking in a lion dance performance from Johns Hopkins University’s Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe. Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2024 Its signature beers include Father Francisco, a Belgian-style golden ale and Pops Porter, named for Luis Sr., as well as the popular blonde ale La Rubia, which can be found in stores, restaurants and bars all over South Florida. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Drinks include ale, milk punch, spiced wines like dandelion wine, cocktails, teas like mint tea, wheatgrass and grapefruit juice. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 26 Jan. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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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