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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Paris Reuters — French wine and spirits exports fell last year to their lowest volume in at least 25 years as US tariffs and Chinese duties hit sales and a strong euro made some alcohol more expensive, industry group FEVS said on Tuesday, warning of no imminent relief.—
Reuters 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Her next goal is to create sugar-free mocktails for her restaurants, as GLP-1s can make alcohol less appealing.—
Allyson Reedy,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The report found the segments most immune to price increases were fragrance, skin care and wine, while the categories consumers were more prone to substitute were food, home goods and liquor.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 Feb. 2026
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On Thursday, the Liquor Commissoin recommended the Naperville City Council approve a Class M liquor license for the business so alcohol can be sold during adult cooking classes.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Order a drink while reading a book under a chic and shady cabana.—
Diana Oates,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
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In a video shared on X by a fan account, the 36-year-old is seen chatting with some pals while sipping a drink.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is introducing a bill that would ban selling booze to repeat DUI offenders.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
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Significantly, the booze precedes the infant in that sentence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Tito’s vodka, Jose Cuervo tequila, Mount Gay rum.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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Spike it with dark rum, then pour the panna cotta base into serving glasses.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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While spending several thousand dollars on a Scotch was not unheard of, this was the first time an American whiskey company offered a rare blend that rivaled other spirits from around the world.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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Inside, a long mahogany counter glows beneath warm gold walls, where bartenders move with precision through a selection of classics and inventive cocktails built on bold spirits and house infusions.—
Melinda Sheckells,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“John Barleycorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/John%20Barleycorn. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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