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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The operator of the e-scooter was arrested on suspicion of operating a bicycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and DUI causing bodily injury, after officers conducted several field sobriety tests, police said.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
11 Mar. 2026
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Astronomers studying the interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS have discovered the comet is unusually rich in alcohol — a chemical clue that could reveal how planets and icy bodies form around other stars.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The city of Aurora is working to establish rules around the sale of liquor and other alcohol at the new Hollywood Casino resort, which is set to open within the next few months.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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The one-time extension does not affect Sunday alcohol sale hours for liquor, grocery or convenience stores.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Snack areas on each floor provide a limitless supply of drinks and goodies to hungry children (or grown-ups).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
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There’s also a drinks list filled with Japanese whiskies and enticing cocktails, as well as a collection of sakes.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The hottest mess in this brood, at least from outward appearances, is Josh (Thomas Sadoski), a firefighter battling demons, pills and booze.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
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The officer smelled booze on his breath, according to a police report.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There’s only one town, San Pedro, with colorful waterfront restaurants and breezy beach bars perfect for sunset rum punches.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
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The cocktails lean toward the tropics, with painkillers, frozen piña coladas, and creative rum concoctions like the High Tai’d, a creamy blend of rum, pistachio, and yuzu curaçao.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The spirits are all around here.—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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The day event features a pop-up photo studio with celebrity photographer David Christopher Lee, along with brands across beauty, wellness, home and spirits — and puppies also available for adoption.—
Kirsten Chuba,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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