1 rye | Definition of rye

rye

noun (1)
\ ˈrī How to pronounce rye (audio) \

Definition of rye

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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

rye

noun (2)

Definition of rye (Entry 2 of 3)

: a male Gypsy

Rye

geographical name
\ ˈrī How to pronounce Rye (audio) \

Definition of Rye (Entry 3 of 3)

town in East Sussex, southeastern England population 4800

First Known Use of rye

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

1851, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rye

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

Romany rai gentleman, master, from Sanskrit rājan king — more at royal

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for rye

rye

noun
\ ˈrī How to pronounce rye (audio) \

Kids Definition of rye

: a hardy cereal grass grown especially for its edible seeds that are used in flour and animal feeds

rye

noun
\ ˈrī How to pronounce rye (audio) \

Medical Definition of rye

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

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on rye

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rye

Spanish Central: Translation of rye

Nglish: Translation of rye for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rye for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rye