near beer

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of near beer

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

That’s because the only way to make near beer was to start with strong beer and then go through one of various processes to reduce the alcohol level.

From Washington Times

Ostensibly, it served “near beer” with permissibly low alcohol content, but in fact produced a strong ale from a makeshift brewery erected in the basement.

From Seattle Times

The young man took issue with an Oklahoma law that permitted 18-year-old women to buy 3.2%-alcohol beer—a brew considered “nonintoxicating” and dubbed “near beer”—while delaying this honour for men until their 21st birthdays.

From Economist

What you're drinking: Nothing stronger than near beer is served here.

From Los Angeles Times

Q.What Prohibition-era character would you most like to have a near beer with?

From New York Times