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
Santa Claus had triumphed over John Barleycorn.
—
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Gary Kamiya, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for John Barleycorn
Noun
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It was found that in Illinois, there is no legal time limit for when a driver has to take an alcohol test after a crash.—
Megan De Mar,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Officers arrived to find a large group of people were watching over a pen holding cash and drinking alcohol in the backyard where roosters were engaged in battle while a referee monitored the contest, the Sheriff's Office said.—
Scott Butler,
Florida Times-Union,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The participants reported their average weekly intake of beer, wine and liquor intake during four age periods — 18 to 24, 25 to 39, 40 to 54, and 55 and older.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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In 2021, Tatmon was observed loitering outside a liquor store directly across the street from the Sky Market with two other men, one of whom subsequently shot and killed Edward Morgan, 41, of Oakland, during a confrontation.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ji Seon flaunts her ring and announces drinks are on her today, which brings up the mood again.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Other drink additions appealing to health-conscious customers include a new chai latte that lets customers customize the sweetness level and global flavors like ube and lavender.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Don’t miss the Espresso Martini and Tonic, a bubbly way to start the evening, or the Phony Negroni for those going booze-free.—
Melinda Sheckells,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Make sure to let your panna cotta base cool fully before adding the booze.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Classic rum babà is a thing of beauty.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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The owner of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen brought stanchions from his rum bar to the street to keep protesters separated from officers, working as a volunteer to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful.—
Kiki Intarasuwan,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Despite its name, the bar operates as a globally minded cocktail destination with equal attention paid to other spirits, along with small bites and an impressive cigar selection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
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And for Dirty Shirleys, different spirits, including vodka, gin, tequila and vermouth can be substituted.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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