English Reference
noun

rye

n.
US /ˈɹaɪ/ UK /ɹˈaɪ/ rye

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a plant or its grain used to make flour for dark, heavy bread.

    the hardy cereal grass Secale cereale or its grain, commonly used in northern Europe for bread-making and fodder.

    Simple

    The farmer grew rye because it survives better in cold weather than wheat.

    In context

    Rye is a resilient crop that thrives in poor soils where other cereals might fail, making it a staple in many northern climates.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    a type of dark bread made from rye flour.

    a dense, dark bread produced using flour from rye grain.

    Simple

    I ordered a pastrami sandwich on toasted rye with extra mustard.

    In context

    The bakery is famous for its traditional sourdough rye, which has a distinctively sharp and earthy flavour profile.

    pumpernickel
  3. 03 C1 Advanced American English

    a type of strong alcohol made from rye grain.

    a variety of whiskey distilled from a mash containing at least 51 percent rye grain.

    Simple

    He sat at the bar and ordered a glass of rye on the rocks.

    In context

    The bartender recommended a local rye for the cocktail, noting its spicy finish compared to the sweetness of a typical bourbon.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated