near beer

noun

1. any of several malt beverages that are similar to beer but are usually considered nonalcoholic because they have an alcoholic content of less than ½ percent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of near beer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

But more gigantic still is the well at Bovey, another Tudor house, near Beer, which bears the reputation of being haunted.

From Project Gutenberg

If he played me right he might even get that recipe for making near beer closer.

From Project Gutenberg

Only wonder of nature I ever saw in Schoenstrom was my friend Mac trying to think he was soused after a case of near-beer.

From Project Gutenberg