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
  • LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Flair, 77, has battled health and alcohol issues over the years.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • Serving beer and wine, The Alley Lounge won’t have a liquor license.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a scene with a liquor-store salesman who, likewise, isn’t the butt of the joke.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of liquor
Noun
  • The beverage lineup includes espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, cold and hot coffee, and specialty seasonal drinks.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • How to practice hygge at home Try curling up with a book, a soft blanket, cozy socks and a hot drink on a cold weekend.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of drink
Noun
  • By now, Bobby Davis and Hoghead Henry were dead from the collision of guns and booze.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The booze is hand‑crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, made from 100 percent blue Weber agave.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • The Sissi combines rum, lime and chestnut honey, with notes of coffee and mint, for a tipple as intense, sweet and unpredictable as its namesake princess.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Drink Like a Fish mixes two rums, Mount Gay Eclipse from Barbados and Appleton Jamaican rum, with Blue Curacao citrus liqueur, a house cinnamon syrup and Earl Grey tea.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of rum
Noun
  • The week will start dry and warmer than normal, but rain chances return Tuesday and could dampen Halloween spirits, with a 40% chance of rain Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • As the Commander of the crew, my main responsibilities were to make sure the crew was safe, in good health and spirits, getting along well and on top of their work.
    — Michaela Musilova, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of spirits

Browse Nearby Words

john
John Barleycorn
John Barleycorns
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Cite this Entry

“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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