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John Barleycorn

noun

Definition of John Barleycornnext
as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk she blamed John Barleycorn for the breakdown of their marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of John Barleycorn And when Traffic reconvened in 1970 to record their comeback album John Barleycorn Must Die, Mason wasn’t involved. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for John Barleycorn
  1. alcohol
  2. liquor
  3. drink
  4. booze
  5. rum
  6. spirits
Noun
  • Her husband, on the other hand, kept things a little more simple, wearing a green plaid shirt by Ami Paris with blue jeans and a baseball cap sporting the name of his alcohol-free beer brand, Bero.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • No bulky bottles, no leaky pumps – Hand Pop's press-to-activate wipes unfold to a generous 10 inches wide for a larger cleaning surface, delivering an alcohol-free, skin-friendly cleanse that fits in a gym bag, purse, pocket or luggage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • This is a place where adults make the pilgrimage to the legendary Pinto Ron and Pizza Pete tailgate spot in the Hammer Lot where Pinto Ron's team of merry pranksters pour shots of liquor into a bowling ball finger hole.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Simons argued in the motion that a Snapchat photo that allegedly showed Sadowski holding two shooter bottles of liquor in his vehicle was improperly submitted and led to prejudicial evidence.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of liquor
Noun
  • Keep in mind that probiotics can vary between drinks, so check the label.
    — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Spritz, like most Aperol drinks, lean heavily into its summery qualities and try to hide the bitterness under the rug.
    — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of drink
Noun
  • The bigger shift is that booze doesn’t have to be the point anymore.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Abrams even owns a winery (Ev&Em) and a Rotten Tomatoes-for-booze company The Daily Pour.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • My Lychee Tax – a deliciously fruity blend of strawberry rum and lychee purée – slipped down quickly.
    — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Her younger sibling, George, is a 500-gallon hybrid pot and column that’s utilized for more experimental spirits, including Virginia rum and apple brandy.
    — Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of rum
Noun
  • One of the Roundhouse’s biggest brags is an extensive liquor collection, highlighting spirits produced in New York State.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper was sore but in good spirits on Sunday morning after he was struck by a pitch on the back of his right shoulder in Saturday’s victory.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of spirits

Browse Nearby Words

john
John Barleycorn
John Barleycorns
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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