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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Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, police said.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Chloe entered rehab in September 2012 After years of struggling with an eating disorder and drug and alcohol addiction, Chloe went to rehab in September 2012.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Video showed Schwally at the liquor store buying two large bottles of an alcoholic Long Island iced tea cocktail.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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The girlfriend told police the argument was over her refusal to take him to a liquor store.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Concessions, including barbecue, snacks, candy and drinks, including alcohol, will be available throughout the weekend, hosted by the Ramona Rodeo Foundation.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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In general, capsule, tablets and gummies are best for beginners, while tinctures, extracts and powders make easy drink additives.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Particularly since the savings made in service-staff costs and brick-and-mortar bar space, not to mention the affordability of buying booze here in China's RMB currency, aren't that far off grabbing a can or bottle from a nearby 24-hour convenience store.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 May 2026
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Specifically, carapaces spelling out 8647, which is either shell-speak for evil intent or a bartender telling Patel to 86 his personal booze and buy a drink already.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Noun
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The new Sunny Sipper Margarita features Don Julio tequila, coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and lime, while the Belly Floppin' Melon Margarita has tequila, vodka, triple sec and lime.—
Chiara Kim,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
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Guests who prefer imbibing to detoxing can also book cigar-rolling workshops, wine and rum tastings, and even personalized private dinners in Le Cave, which is the oldest wine cellar in the region and down the stairs from L’Oursin.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Vitello said postgame that Koss’ helmet cracked as a result of the bean ball, but Koss was in good spirits after the game.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
10 May 2026
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Right now, spirits are high because the overall box office is trending 16% ahead of last year, according to Comscore.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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