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

Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, barley, and brown rice are high in carbs but provide significantly more fiber and nutrients than refined, white grains. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025

More than a century later, Mr. Shinozaki and his son, Michiaki, decided to follow his lead, this time using barley and a barley-specific mold, as well as aging it in a barrel. —Clay Risen, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025

Brother’s Bond Expressions and Tasting Notes Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml The bourbon is crafted from a mash bill of 65% corn, 22% rye, and 13% undisclosed amounts of wheat and barley. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Ukraine is a major global producer of wheat, corn, barley, sunflower oil, and other essential food products, which will help meet growing demand in Lebanon. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 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