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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Risk factors at any age include obesity, lack of physical activity, a diet high in red or processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, heavy alcohol use, having inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Feb. 2026
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His blood alcohol is currently under seal but has been referenced in open court.—
Aaron Curtis,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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First off, the guy on the sidewalk outside the liquor store was a drunk, not an oracle.—
David Sedaris,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
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After a 10-year fight, his father was granted Pennsylvania’s first liquor license for a country club in 1959.—
Brad Johnson,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Enjoy food, drinks, networking and drawing prizes.—
Pomerado News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
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There’s also a small bar directly on the beach, offering a quieter alternative for an afternoon drink.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Nowadays, Luxco counts several different types of booze brands among its assets, including Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Limestone Branch Distillery and its Yellowstone Bourbon; and Mexico’s Destiladora Gonzalez Lux.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
26 Feb. 2026
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Irish symbols, booze and leprechauns were glorified.—
Bella Monaco,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Morton Mwangi is launching her own rum company but finds entrepreneurship more challenging than expected.—
Rodney Ho,
AJC.com,
24 Feb. 2026
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Montanya Distillers For something stronger, head to Montanya Distillers, an award-winning local distiller known for its rum.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The dragon is said to scare away bad spirits and bring good luck.—
Staff report,
Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
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American celebrity chef Guy Fieri and Colombian-American actress Sofía Vergara made appearances as guests sampled bites from top local and visiting chefs, explored wines, spirits and craft beers, and enjoyed live music, cooking demonstrations and product giveaways.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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