rye

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈrī 

1

: a hardy annual grass (Secale cereale) that is widely grown for grain and as a cover crop

2

: the seeds of rye

3

: rye bread

4

: rye whiskey

rye

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a male member of the Roma

Examples of rye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This year is 2024 J. Henry Major Particles, a 12% ABV beer aged in bourbon and rye barrels from J. Henry & Sons distillery in Dane, Wisconsin. —Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2024

This reaction is triggered by eating gluten, found in wheat, rye, barley, and many other food products. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Nov. 2024

While bourbon and rye might not be the most important issues on the minds of those who are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the election, which at this point is most of us, the American whiskey industry is certainly paying close attention. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024

The palate has rich notes of toffee, malt sweetness, vanilla, and subtle spice, leading to a smooth, balanced finish with hints of seasoned oak and peppery rye. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English ryge; akin to Old High German rocko rye, Lithuanian rugys

Noun (2)

borrowed from Welsh Romani raj "lord, gentleman," going back to an Old Indo-Aryan cognate of Sanskrit rā́jan- "king" — more at royal entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rye

• rye bread
• rye whiskey
• wild rye

Kids Definition

rye

noun

ˈrī

1

: a hardy annual cereal grass widely grown for grain and as a cover crop

also : its seeds

2

: rye bread

3

: whiskey distilled from rye or from rye and malt

Medical Definition

rye

noun

ˈrī 

1

: a hardy annual grass (Secale cereale) that is widely grown for grain and as a cover crop

2

: the seeds of rye used for bread flour, whiskey manufacture, feed for farm animals (as poultry), and especially formerly in the roasted state as a coffee substitute

Geographical Definition

Rye

geographical name

ˈrī 

town in East Sussex, southeastern England population 4800