Meaning & Definition of word "Ale"

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    Ale

    /eɪl/

    noun:

    • 1. A type of beer that is brewed using a warm fermentation method, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied and fruity taste.
      • Example: After a long day at work, I enjoy relaxing with a cold ale.
    • 2. Traditionally, ale is a beverage made from barley, hops, yeast, and water.
      • Example: The brewery crafts its own ale using locally sourced ingredients.
    • 3. A low-alcohol beer often served at social gatherings.
      • Example: The pub offers a variety of ales on tap for its customers.
    • 4. A historical term used to refer to any fermented beverage, but now primarily associated with beer.
      • Example: In medieval times, ale was a common drink for both adults and children.
    • 5. A term for a festival or gathering centered around the consumption of ale.
      • Example: The summer ale festival featured breweries from across the region.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'ale', from Old English 'alu', of unknown origin.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    ale house:

    A tavern or pub that specializes in serving ale.

    go for a pint:

    To go out for a drink, usually ale or beer.

    ale's well:

    A play on 'all's well', indicating that everything is fine, especially in relation to ale.

    Related Words

    lager:

    A type of beer that is fermented at low temperatures.

    stout:

    A dark, rich beer that is a type of ale.

    porter:

    A dark beer brewed with roasted malt or roasted barley.

    Slang Meanings of ale

    Meaning: Cold one

    Example Sentence: Let's grab a cold one at the bar.

    Meaning: Brew

    Example Sentence: I'm heading out to get a brew.

    Meaning: Pint

    Example Sentence: I'll have a pint of the house ale, please.