rye

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈrī 

1

: a hardy annual grass (Secale cereale) that is widely grown for grain and as a cover crop

2

: the seeds of rye

3

: rye bread

4

: rye whiskey

rye

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a male member of the Roma

Examples of rye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These are varieties of cool season grasses such as annual rye and bluegrass that made their way into your lawn from seed. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 6 Apr. 2024

None of the rye that is being distilled in-house has been dropped yet, which makes this bourbon release even more notable for the distillery. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2024

The protein, which is found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, has been linked to inflammatory reactions in the body. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024

The smooth brew contains corn barley, and rye and is sold at Falls City Beer. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 Mar. 2024

And unlike some whole grains such as barley, rye, and wheat, quinoa is gluten free. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024

Founded in 2011 by Al Laws, the distillery uses only high-quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado farms to make all its whiskeys. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

The whiskey distillery makes everything from scratch and invites you to try its straight rye, straight bourbon, and coastal forest gin in its cocktail bar every day of the week. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2024

Alexander Baxter Lobster, rye, and bonito leaves in bowls by ceramicist Cara Guthrie. —Sarah Wood, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English ryge; akin to Old High German rocko rye, Lithuanian rugys

Noun (2)

borrowed from Welsh Romani raj "lord, gentleman," going back to an Old Indo-Aryan cognate of Sanskrit rā́jan- "king" — more at royal entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rye

• rye whiskey
• rye bread
• wild rye

Kids Definition

rye

noun

ˈrī

1

: a hardy annual cereal grass widely grown for grain and as a cover crop

also : its seeds

2

: rye bread

3

: whiskey distilled from rye or from rye and malt

Medical Definition

rye

noun

ˈrī 

1

: a hardy annual grass (Secale cereale) that is widely grown for grain and as a cover crop

2

: the seeds of rye used for bread flour, whiskey manufacture, feed for farm animals (as poultry), and especially formerly in the roasted state as a coffee substitute

Geographical Definition

Rye

geographical name

ˈrī 

town in East Sussex, southeastern England population 4800