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

The foundation of the Michter’s portfolio is built upon a lineup of bourbon, rye, and American whiskey that is generally affordable (depending on the market) and uniformly very good. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026

Locals have been lining up at this kosher-style spot for bagels, babka, and pastrami on rye since 1953. —Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026

Dinners and buckets include fish, coleslaw, fries, rye roll, tartar sauce and lemon wedge. —Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 18 Feb. 2026

In addition to protein and fiber, oat bread contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber naturally found in oats, barley, and rye. —Lindsey Desoto, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026

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 bread
• rye whiskey
• wild rye

Rhymes for rye

• ai
• aye
• bae
• bi
• buy
• by
• bye
• chai
• chi
• cry
• die
• dry

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