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
  • The singer said that he was first admitted to a Swiss hospital in connection with his alcohol use in November 2023.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But now Oktoberfest is a proving ground for one of the most profound changes sweeping the global drinks industry as more consumers cut alcohol from their lives.
    — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • The state liquor board would have had to address that question, but the application won’t get that far without the local zoning certificate.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • On the bedroom floor, there is a composite photo of every member of a sorority class, a fentanyl test, beer cans and liquor bottles littering the space.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of liquor
Noun
  • The idea for the series, explains Sarlanis, came over drinks about three years ago.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Jungle Bird’s menu featured tropical and music-inspired drinks including Third Eye Tai, Macaws of Life and Gravel Pit.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of drink
Noun
  • The partial Canadian ban on US booze has been painful for the American industry.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The bigger shift is that booze doesn’t have to be the point anymore.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • Behind the Wagon Bar, head bartender Mahdi Provost takes guests on a liquid world tour, from bourbon Old Fashioneds to Thai-rum cocktails.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Calvados can sub in for the cognac or brandy for less sweetness, or rum (light or aged) for more sweetness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of rum
Noun
  • Upstairs, on the top floor, the bar serves vintage hard-to-get champagne and spirits by the glass.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The 13 months since have become a collective effort to lift the spirits of Brotheron, who has also played alongside artists like Patty Griffin, Caroline Herring, Rodney Hayden, and Andy Hedges.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of spirits

Browse Nearby Words

john
John Barleycorn
John Barleycorns
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Cite this Entry

“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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