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
From buffalo and teriyaki to lagers and ales, there's an overwhelming number of flavor possibilities.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025
Russell’s features strong starting lineup of wine and beer, too, including an exclusive golden ale collab with Pryes Brewing in Minneapolis.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025
In Clayton, guests gather at the festival biergarten to enjoy German lagers and ales at wooden benches and tables — imported from Munich — and enjoy bratwurst, pretzels and schnitzel.
—Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2025
In the heart of town, Beerhouse is a top spot for sampling local craft ale as well as classic German lagers that pay homage to the region’s European heritage, while Trawen is perfect for a refined meal crafted from indigenous Chilean ingredients.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ale
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Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025
Russell’s features strong starting lineup of wine and beer, too, including an exclusive golden ale collab with Pryes Brewing in Minneapolis.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025
In Clayton, guests gather at the festival biergarten to enjoy German lagers and ales at wooden benches and tables — imported from Munich — and enjoy bratwurst, pretzels and schnitzel.
—Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2025
In the heart of town, Beerhouse is a top spot for sampling local craft ale as well as classic German lagers that pay homage to the region’s European heritage, while Trawen is perfect for a refined meal crafted from indigenous Chilean ingredients.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 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 1 Mar. 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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