rye

Definition

A grain used extensively in Europe for making bread, beer, and (now generally) for animal fodder.

Etymology

From Middle English rye, rie, from Old English ryġe, from Proto-West Germanic *rugi, from Proto-Germanic *rugiz. Germanic cognates include Dutch and West Frisian rogge, Low German Rogg, German Roggen, Rocken, Old Norse rugr (Danish rug, Swedish råg); non-Germanic cognates include Russian рожь (rožʹ) and Latvian rudzi.

Example Sentences

• "They bought a sack of rye and a sack of wheat with the intent to try their hand at milling and baking."
• "This field will be planted to rye next spring."
• "Customer: A tuna sandwich, please. Waiter: Sure, hon. You want that on white, wheat, or rye?"