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

Whereas bourbon is characterized by sweet vanilla, caramel, and maple flavors, rye is a different ballgame. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

The rye character is certainly present, with notes of black pepper, fruit, and vanilla bean on the palate, and the sherry cask finish brings new flavors to the experience without masking the whiskey’s core character. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2025

People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance must avoid foods that contain wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2025

The restaurant was renovated in 2010, but retains its homey roots with dishes like crafuncins (rye-flour ravioli) and Italian-style goulash. —Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

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