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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With a strong focus on local produce and fish, meals can feel restrictive–no alcohol, for example, though there is pasta (this is Italy, after all!).—
Rona Berg,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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In addition to dams and litter, the busy area sees other off-limits behaviors, such as improper parking, alcohol use and graffiti, Chief Park Ranger James Brown said.—
Ruby Grisin,
The Courier-Journal,
11 July 2025
Noun
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There’s also a writing desk and a bar area, stocked with local beer and spirits, South African wines and my favorite, Kenya’s classic Amarula liquor.—
Flora Stubbs,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
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DeAndre Williams, 22, was charged with first degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon for killing Romell Campbell, 41, at a West Capital Drive liquor store in September 2024.—
Ariela Lopez,
jsonline.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Also, Reuters reports that despite rising levels of alcoholism, which is conducive to a myriad of chronic diseases, revisions to the U.S. dietary guidelines under RFK Jr. may loosen federal guidance on alcohol consumption that currently advises no more than one to two daily drinks.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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The Outlaw Music Festival is North America's largest touring music festival, bringing musical legends and dedicated fans together for live songs, food and drink, and shopping, creating an unforgettable experience.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Amid the frenzied party — which included Sam Reinhart climbing a stripper pole, Brad Marchand crowd surfing and, yes, plenty of booze flowing — a key player might have revealed big news regarding his future with the team.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2025
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The booze was part of it, a likely symptom at first, and later a cause.—
Mark Kriegel
June 4,
Literary Hub,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Add pineapple juice, light rum, dark rum, lime juice, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, and grenadine to the shaker.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
8 July 2025
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The drink blends Gosling’s Black Seal and Amber rums, pineapple and lemon juices, fruit liqueurs, and falernum syrup.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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