barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass (genus Hordeum and especially H. vulgare) having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns and three spikelets at each joint of the rachis

also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, breakfast foods, and stock feeds

Examples of barley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its original Green Superfood powder blends vegetables, fruits, and greens with digestive enzymes and probiotics like wheatgrass, barley, alfalfa, açaí, and spirulina to increase energy levels, promote detoxification, and boost the immune system. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025

She’s been tested for Celiac disease, in which the gluten found in wheat, barley, rye, and other foods can trigger an intestine-damaging immune response, and Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disease that causes swelling and severe inflammation in the digestive tract. —Julia Sullivan, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025

Grains Liberally: Whole grain bread Whole grains (farro, rye, barley, etc.) Oats Occasionally: Pasta (choose whole wheat and vegetable or legume-based varieties) Polenta Couscous Whole grain crackers Bran cereal Rarely/Never: Snack foods Sugary cereals Frozen bread, waffles, or pancakes 6. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025

Whole Grains: Heart Health and Beyond Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, and barley are strongly linked to a longer life. —Quora, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barly, from Old English bærlic of barley; akin to Old English bere barley, Latin far spelt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing barley

• barley-bree
• barley-broo
• barley sugar
• barley wine

Kids Definition

barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass with flowers in dense spikes

also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, in foods (as soups and cereals), or as feed for livestock

Medical Definition

barley

noun

bar·​ley ˈbär-lē 

: a cereal grass (genus Hordeum, especially H. vulgare) having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns

also : its seed used in malt beverages and in breakfast foods and stock feeds