rye

1 of 2

noun (1)

1
: a hardy annual grass (Secale cereale) that is widely grown for grain and as a cover crop
2
: the seeds of rye
3
4

rye

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a male member of the Roma

Examples of rye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The classic Manhattan has numerous variations on its mix of rye, vermouth, and bitters. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025 For cool-season grasses such as bluegrass, fescue, or rye grass, the most root growth happens in early fall. Charlotte Germane, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2025 The Fratelli Reuben is pastrami, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2025 In the glass, the rye is a bright copper color. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rye

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rye was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rye. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rye

noun
ˈrī
1
: a hardy annual cereal grass widely grown for grain and as a cover crop
also : its seeds
2
3
: whiskey distilled from rye or from rye and malt

Medical Definition

rye

noun
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

town in East Sussex, southeastern England population 4800

More from Merriam-Webster on rye

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