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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Chui and Pang danced, ate cake and toasted with bubbly drinks served in the clear cups typically used on planes.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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The concept is for guests of all golf levels to enjoy three holes with a bit of socialization and great drinks.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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But still, the agave spirit is crucial to this melange of booze.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
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Fresh juices, top-shelf booze, and a rotating cocktail menu that'll keep you guessing.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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