Meaning & Definition of word "Ale"

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.