barleycorn

noun

bar·​ley·​corn ˈbär-lē-ˌkȯrn How to pronounce barleycorn (audio)
1
: a grain of barley
2
: an old unit of length equal to a third of an inch

Examples of barleycorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The new hue is designed to evolve beautifully with changing light, further accentuating the watchmaker’s signature grain d’orge (barleycorn) motif. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1500, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of barleycorn was in 1500

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barleycorn. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

barleycorn

noun
bar·​ley·​corn -ˌkȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce barleycorn (audio)
: a grain of barley
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