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
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
Santa Claus had triumphed over John Barleycorn.
—Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
Santa Claus had triumphed over John Barleycorn.
—Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for John Barleycorn
Noun
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This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
6 May 2026
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The most common indulgence by far was alcohol, but many flyers also turn to marijuana edibles and non-prescribed medication to deal with flight jitters.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Hard liquor is free-poured at home and in many bars.—
Justin Kissinger,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
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Operating under the influence of liquor.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Noun
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People come in, just have a few drinks and listen to music, and then stick around and come to the next show and the next show.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
30 Apr. 2026
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The afternoon features food and drinks, a DJ, dancing, games, contests, a photo booth and music included in the cost of tickets.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Plans to serve booze at White Stadium’s professional soccer matches in Boston have encountered pushback by critics of the city’s public-private rehab plan, but a ban on alcohol would effectively kill the $325 million project.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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Activations — from banks to big tech, booze to beauty products — beckon attendees with the siren call of air conditioning and free WiFi, trading comfort for content and brand loyalty.—
Andrea Domanick,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Guests are greeted by their butler with a drink on arrival (there’s nothing like rum served in a fresh coconut to welcome you to the Caribbean) and shown around their suite.—
Hollie Clemence,
TheWeek,
27 Apr. 2026
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Dark rum adds authentic flavor to these bars inspired by the cocktail.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That put an end to the zero-tariff trade environment for exporters on both sides of the Atlantic and slapped new duties onto Scotch whisky and other spirits sent to America from Britain.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
1 May 2026
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The bar program, while still in development, is set to involve agave spirits and Mexican wines, with many sourced from the Valle de Guadalupe.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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