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
  • And even though alcohol sales have dropped, people are still seeking out comparable flavors in nonalcoholic options and mocktails.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Campbell became a member of the band after the death of lead guitarist Steve Clark, who died in 1991 from a combination of drugs and alcohol.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • The import taxes will hit everything from hockey sticks, to some building materials, liquors and certain kinds of clothing.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The mini bar—located inside a gorgeous wooden cabinet—was filled with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugar cane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a bottle so beautiful I was tempted to sneak it back in my suitcase.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of liquor
Noun
  • So when Billie and Issa get an actual offer for drinks with two firefighters who come to the house, Billie puts on a goofy British accent à la Issa and turns them down, choosing a quiet night at home with her friend instead.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The company is known for its affordable drinks and ice cream, including its signature King Cone vanilla ice cream.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of drink
Noun
  • As a result, our northern neighbor banned the sale of American booze (which is still ongoing in nearly all Canada’s provinces today).
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
  • No business bought more bottles of booze from state liquor stores than Bardenay’s downtown Boise location during fiscal year 2026, which ended June 30.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • Our last night in Valoria la Buena was spent among newfound friends, discussing the Strokes, love and coffee, all while enjoying a little rum.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Here, Mojito Masters mix up the signature cocktail using fresh mint, lime, and locally made Papa’s Pilar rum.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of rum
Noun
  • Dolly Parton made her final public appearance just two months before her death at the age of 80 and was in good spirits at the time.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Alcoholic beverages Wine, beer, spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin, are all impacted.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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