as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
she blamed John Barleycorn for the breakdown of their marriage
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Recent Examples of John Barleycorn
Santa Claus had triumphed over John Barleycorn.
—
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for John Barleycorn
Noun
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To be considered milk chocolate, products must contain at least 10% chocolate liquor, which is a paste made from ground cocoa beans and contains no alcohol.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
There are a few commonalities between the two, chiefly the abundance of alcohol consumption, the significance of costuming and the presence of king cake.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Additional video evidence tracked the whereabouts of what authorities believe was the same car and individuals at a liquor store and elsewhere before the shooting.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
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For Muslims, many of whom eschew alcohol, and for anyone seeking liquor-free or family-friendly social options, the cafes are hospitable hangouts and a late-night alternative to nighttime clubbing.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Order a drink while reading a book under a chic and shady cabana.—
Diana Oates,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
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In a video shared on X by a fan account, the 36-year-old is seen chatting with some pals while sipping a drink.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is introducing a bill that would ban selling booze to repeat DUI offenders.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
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Significantly, the booze precedes the infant in that sentence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But don't underestimate the vibrant culture, rum distilleries, and historical architecture.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
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The recipe is both simple and special, with ingredients like real vanilla bean, fresh strawberries, and a tablespoon of rum.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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While spending several thousand dollars on a Scotch was not unheard of, this was the first time an American whiskey company offered a rare blend that rivaled other spirits from around the world.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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Inside, a long mahogany counter glows beneath warm gold walls, where bartenders move with precision through a selection of classics and inventive cocktails built on bold spirits and house infusions.—
Melinda Sheckells,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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