barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass (genus Hordeum and especially H. vulgare) having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns and three spikelets at each joint of the rachis

also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, breakfast foods, and stock feeds

Examples of barley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Archaeologists analyzing pottery vessels found evidence of ingredients such as barley and broomcorn millet. —Literary Hub, 12 June 2025

In 2020, Canberra demanded an international investigation into the origins of the COVID virus and, over more than two years, withstood massive Chinese retaliatory tariffs against Australian beef, barley, and wine by diversifying its export markets away from China. —Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2025

This popular, affordable blend impressed judges with its complex flavor profile of custard, banana, spiced barley, and candied walnuts. —Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

It’s also enriched with barley protein, which can strengthen strands for less breakage and overall damage. —Jessie Quinn, Glamour, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barly, from Old English bærlic of barley; akin to Old English bere barley, Latin far spelt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing barley

• barley-bree
• barley-broo
• barley sugar
• barley wine

Rhymes for barley

• charley
• charlie
• marly
• bizarrely

Kids Definition

barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass with flowers in dense spikes

also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, in foods (as soups and cereals), or as feed for livestock

Medical Definition

barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass (genus Hordeum, especially H. vulgare) having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns

also : its seed used in malt beverages and in breakfast foods and stock feeds