ale

noun \ ˈāl \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

Definition of ale

1 : an alcoholic beverage brewed especially by rapid fermentation from an infusion of malt with the addition of hops

2 : an English country festival at which ale is the principal beverage

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Examples of ale in a Sentence

The bar serves two very different ales.

Recent Examples of ale from the Web

Unlike a lot of brewpubs, this one won’t have televisions; the proprietors want customers to talk to one another over lagers and ale-style beers without the distraction of a football game.

— lisa davis, chicagotribune.com, "Bismarck beckons with revitalized downtown, new breweries — and butterhorns," 14 May 2018
Inner Loop Eureka Heights Brew Co. Buckle Bunny cream ale was a hit with Greater American Beer Festival judges, earning a gold medal.

— ronnie crocker, Houston Chronicle, "A baker's dozen Houston breweries to try," 10 May 2018
The wild fruit ale from Tröegs known as Dear Peter, meanwhile, was proof that brewing magic can come from agricultural disaster.

— craig laban, Philly.com, "2018 Brewvitational standouts: Peter, haze and pucker," 10 May 2018
Our gold medals: Ole Prospector, BNS Brewing & Distilling, Santee, American-style amber/red ale.

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Winning the World: Local brewers take global honors," 10 May 2018
Additionally, chefs will stir Sunlight cream ale into smoky beer cheese for mac and cheese and the signature Beast Burger with bacon, slow-cooked onions and barbecue sauce.

— liz biro, Indianapolis Star, "Sun King distillery's food hall in Carmel puts the brewery's Hot Pockets days behind it," 8 May 2018
The yeast the scientists found was a rare hybrid strain different from strains used to brew ale today.

— marissa fessenden, Smithsonian, "Australian Brewers Are Making Beer From Yeast Found on a Shipwreck," 7 May 2018
The next pour: Anchorage Brewing Co. (148 W. 91st Ave.), which has a totally chill outdoor hangout spot that's a local favorite, or Cynosure (144 E. Potter Drive, Unit E), which focuses on Belgian-style ales.

— jenna schnuer, Anchorage Daily News, "24 hours in Anchorage (give or take an hour or two)," 3 May 2018
In the mid-18th century, beer trade in the colonies was exclusively with England, which only brewed ales.

— markus haas, San Antonio Express-News, "When it comes selling beer, historical truth is beside the point," 3 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ale.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ale

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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ALE Defined for English Language Learners

ale

noun

Definition of ale for English Language Learners

: an alcoholic drink that is similar to beer

ALE Defined for Kids

ale

noun \ ˈāl \

Definition of ale for Students

: an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops that is usually more bitter than beer

Learn More about ale

See words that rhyme with ale Spanish Central: Translation of ale Nglish: Translation of ale for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ale for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ale

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ale

Definition of ale

Examples of ale in a Sentence

Recent Examples of ale from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ale

ALE Defined for English Language Learners

ale

Definition of ale for English Language Learners

ALE Defined for Kids

ale

Definition of ale for Students

Learn More about ale

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Definition of ale

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Origin and Etymology of ale

ALE Defined for English Language Learners

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