noun
Uncommon
ale
ayl
Ale (noun) means a type of beer, traditionally brewed without hops and fermented at warmer temperatures than lager. Example: “He ordered a pint of pale ale at the pub.”
noun
1
A type of beer, traditionally brewed without hops and fermented at warmer temperatures than lager.
"He ordered a pint of pale ale at the pub."
"The brewery specializes in dark, rich ales."
"They toasted the win with a glass of ale at the village pub."
How to use ale
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA style of beer, typically fuller-bodied than lager and fermented warmer and faster.
UK vs US
In the UK, "ale" often refers specifically to traditional cask-conditioned real ale; in the US it more broadly covers any top-fermented beer style, including IPAs.
Common pairings
pale ale
ginger ale
brown ale
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Word forms
- Plural
- ales
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He ordered a pint of pale _____ at the pub.
Etymology
From Old English ealu, going back to a Proto-Germanic word for beer, distantly related to words for "bitter."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ale
See all rhymes for ale →Frequently asked questions
What does “ale” mean?
The word “ale” means a type of beer, traditionally brewed without hops and fermented at warmer temperatures than lager. In plain terms, a style of beer, typically fuller-bodied than lager and fermented warmer and faster.
How do you pronounce “ale”?
“Ale” is pronounced ayl (/eɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ale” in a sentence?
Here is “ale” used in a sentence: “He ordered a pint of pale ale at the pub.”
What part of speech is “ale”?
“Ale” is a noun.
Where does the word “ale” come from?
The word “ale” comes from Old English. From Old English ealu, going back to a Proto-Germanic word for beer, distantly related to words for "bitter.".
Is “ale” a common word?
“Ale” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between ale and lager?
Ale is traditionally fermented at warmer temperatures using top-fermenting yeast, producing fruitier, more robust flavors, while lager is fermented cooler with bottom-fermenting yeast for a crisper, cleaner taste. Ale is also traditionally brewed without hops, unlike many other beer styles.
Is ale a type of beer?
Yes, ale is a category of beer distinguished by its warmer fermentation process and, traditionally, the absence of hops compared to other beer styles.
Why is ale fermented differently from other beers?
Ale uses warmer fermentation temperatures and traditionally omits hops, which together give it a distinct character compared to beers like lager that are fermented cooler and typically use hops.
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