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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
  • The trial is being closely watched for its implications for other fatal high-speed crashes that don't involve drugs or alcohol.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Genetics, smoking and alcohol use are risk factors, but Kingham says changing diets are the biggest cause of the global increase.
    — Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • Though most grocery stores and liquor stores remain open for Labor Day, some establishments also take part in the federal holiday.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Ecology officials were notified that 250,000 gallons (946,353 liters) of black liquor was discharging into and out of the containment area, according to emails among investigators.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of liquor
Noun
  • Guests will also find two full-service restaurants (a Japanese izakaya and a French brasserie), a 3,000 square-foot spa with a traditional Middle Eastern steam bath, and a seasonal outdoor terrace for drinks and bites.
    — Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Any school district employee — including bus drivers, custodians, front-office staff, aides and administrators — can get a small (16-ounce) hot or cold drink of their choice.
    — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of drink
Noun
  • The bigger shift is that booze doesn’t have to be the point anymore.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Abrams even owns a winery (Ev&Em) and a Rotten Tomatoes-for-booze company The Daily Pour.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • My Lychee Tax – a deliciously fruity blend of strawberry rum and lychee purée – slipped down quickly.
    — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Her younger sibling, George, is a 500-gallon hybrid pot and column that’s utilized for more experimental spirits, including Virginia rum and apple brandy.
    — Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of rum
Noun
  • One of the Roundhouse’s biggest brags is an extensive liquor collection, highlighting spirits produced in New York State.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper was sore but in good spirits on Sunday morning after he was struck by a pitch on the back of his right shoulder in Saturday’s victory.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of spirits

Browse Nearby Words

john
John Barleycorn
John Barleycorns
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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