ale

noun

ˈāl 

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

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

The Golden Lion is the best gastropub at sea, with its wood-and-brass bar, darts, folk music, and ale brewed exclusively for Cunard. —Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2024

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

Phrases Containing ale

• cream ale
• ginger ale
• India pale ale
• pale ale
• pot ale

Kids Definition

ale

noun

ˈā(ə)l 

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