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

That holds true for all styles, including bourbon, rye, single malt scotch, and Irish whiskey, as well as American single malt and whiskeys from countries like Japan, Taiwan, and India. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026

While Coy Hill features single-barrel expressions, this new rye includes two batches from the Coy Hill barrelhouse and three from the Boiler Hill and Fire Brigade sites, creating a more layered and deliberate flavor profile. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026

In addition to choosing whole-grain versions, rye and sourdough bread can be part of a healthy diet. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 13 Apr. 2026

Gluten allergies and sensitivities, which are caused by an intolerance to a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, cause symptoms like painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloating, and headaches that can last for days, if not weeks. —Elliott Harrell, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 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