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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Yeti’s game-changing double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
1 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 18 Jul. 2025.
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