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
  • LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Flair, 77, has battled health and alcohol issues over the years.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • Serving beer and wine, The Alley Lounge won’t have a liquor license.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a scene with a liquor-store salesman who, likewise, isn’t the butt of the joke.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of liquor
Noun
  • The beverage lineup includes espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, cold and hot coffee, and specialty seasonal drinks.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • How to practice hygge at home Try curling up with a book, a soft blanket, cozy socks and a hot drink on a cold weekend.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of drink
Noun
  • By now, Bobby Davis and Hoghead Henry were dead from the collision of guns and booze.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The booze is hand‑crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, made from 100 percent blue Weber agave.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • The Sissi combines rum, lime and chestnut honey, with notes of coffee and mint, for a tipple as intense, sweet and unpredictable as its namesake princess.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Drink Like a Fish mixes two rums, Mount Gay Eclipse from Barbados and Appleton Jamaican rum, with Blue Curacao citrus liqueur, a house cinnamon syrup and Earl Grey tea.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of rum
Noun
  • The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to consider whether Congress had the constitutional authority to impose a ban on distilling spirits in private homes more than 150 years ago.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Jonah himself is remaining positive while keeping his spirits up thanks to the love, support and encouragement of his family, friends and all those doctors and nurses who care so much for him.
    — Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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