variants
or lager beer
plural lagers or lager beers
: a beer (such as a bock or pilsner) that is brewed at cool temperatures by slow fermentation with a slow-acting yeast (especially Saccharomyces pastorianus synonym S. carlsbergensis)
Note: Lagers tend to have a lighter, clearer appearance than ales with a usually lower alcohol content and slightly higher sugar content. The yeast used to ferment lager is often referred to as "bottom-fermenting" since it does not rise to the top of the brewing vessel during fermentation.
Known for being crisper, cleaner and more refreshing than ales, lagers are lighter in body and alcohol while being moderate to high in carbonation.—Kara Newman
All true lagers are aged before consumption. Lager in fact comes from the German word meaning to store.—Dave Martin
Lager beer had developed in Central Europe and probably was introduced in the United States by Philadelphia brewer John Wagner …—Donna R. Gabaccia
lagered; lagering; lagers
: to store (beer and especially lager) at cold temperatures during a period of aging often accompanied by a secondary fermentation to improve flavor and clarity
The basic American beer is properly described as "lager," which means that the brew has been fermented in the bottom of a tank and then stored—lagered—for two to six weeks in order to smooth and mellow its flavor.—Anthony Dias Blue
lagering
noun
Minimum lagering times are in excess of 21 days, but the premium beers are matured for two to three months.
—Michael Jackson
Cite this Entry
“Lager.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lager. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.
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