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
Frank J. Prial2
: 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
To honor Pikes Peak’s legacy, Goat Patch will continue brewing two of its most popular recipes, Elephant Rock IPA and Gold Rush Belgian-style golden ale.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
That seasonal beer was an ale made from a secret recipe that changed from year to year, but often included things like orange or honeysuckle.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Inside the historic bungalow, satisfy your thirst with the blonde ale Luane, the amber ale Peggy or another pick from the four-to-six house beers on tap.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Cellarmaker won two bronzes for Old Head Red in the American amber or red ale category and Pretty Pretty Pils in the American pilsner category.
—Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ale
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Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
That seasonal beer was an ale made from a secret recipe that changed from year to year, but often included things like orange or honeysuckle.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Inside the historic bungalow, satisfy your thirst with the blonde ale Luane, the amber ale Peggy or another pick from the four-to-six house beers on tap.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Cellarmaker won two bronzes for Old Head Red in the American amber or red ale category and Pretty Pretty Pils in the American pilsner category.
—Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ale
Cite this Entry
“Ale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ale. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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ale
noun
: an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops that is usually more bitter than beer
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