1
: a carbonated, fermented alcoholic beverage that is usually made from malted cereal grain (especially barley), is flavored with hops, and typically contains less than a 5% alcohol content compare ale, craft beer, lager entry 1, malt liquor sense 2
2
: a carbonated nonalcoholic or a fermented slightly alcoholic beverage with flavoring from roots or other plant parts
birch beer
3
: fermented mash
4
: a drink of beer

Examples of beer in a Sentence

Would you like beer with dinner? The pub brews its own beer. I'll have a beer, please. a couple of cold beers a glass of birch beer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump offered a 30-day reprieve on tariffs to Mexico and Canada when President Sheinbaum and PM Trudeau agreed to commit more resources to border security and to fighting fentanyl trafficking, so the Mexican beer and guacamole will be sold at the Super Bowl at the normally inflated prices. Cal Thomas, arkansasonline.com, 6 Feb. 2025 If possible, a permanent shipping container selling beer and wine, too. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 5 Feb. 2025 Two big schooners of beer, then — pilsner for me, IPA for Ian. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025 Dozens of advertisers will use Super Bowl LIX to tout yogurt, soda, candy and beer. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for beer 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ber, going back to Old English bēor, akin to Old High German bior "beer," Old Norse bjórr; perhaps all going back to a dissimilated form of Germanic *breura-, a nominal derivative of *brewwan- "to brew entry 1"

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beer was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near beer

Cite this Entry

“Beer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beer. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops
2
: a nonalcoholic drink made from roots or other parts of plants
birch beer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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