ale

ale · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A type of beer brewed using a warm fermentation method, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied flavor.

  2. 2.

    (Historical) Any alcoholic drink made from malted grain, especially before the introduction of hops.

Forms

plural: ales

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pale ale — A light-colored, hoppy style of ale.
  • •
    real ale — Traditional cask-conditioned ale.
  • •
    ginger ale — A carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger.
  • •
    alehouse — A pub or tavern (historical).

Related words

See also: beer, brew, lager
Synonyms: beer, brew

Etymology

From Old English ealu, alu, from Proto-Germanic aluth- ("ale, beer"). Related to Old Norse ol and Lithuanian alus ("beer"). The word predates the introduction of hops to brewing.