- a widely distributed cereal plant belonging to the genus Hordeum, of the grass family, having awned flowers that grow in tightly bunched spikes, with three small additional spikes at each node.
- the grain of this plant, used as food and in making beer, ale, and whiskey.
- a truce or quarter, especially in children's games; parley.
- any of various erect annual temperate grasses of the genus Hordeum, esp H. vulgare, that have short leaves and dense bristly flower spikes and are widely cultivated for grain and forage
- the grain of any of these grasses, used in making beer and whisky and for soups, puddings, etc
- a cry for truce or respite from the rules of a game
