wild rye

noun

1. any grass of the genus Elymus, somewhat resembling rye.

wild rye

noun

1. any of various perennial grasses of the N temperate genus Elymus, resembling cultivated rye in having paired bristly ears or spikes and flat leaves

Word History and Origins

Origin of wild rye¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

Buffalo-clover, sunflowers and wild rye, buffalo-peas and buffalo-beans blossomed everywhere.

From Project Gutenberg

I can see in memory that there was a great deal of wild rye grass on the surrounding plains.

From Project Gutenberg

For the winter they lay up a provision of acorns and wild rye: the latter grows here very abundantly.

From Project Gutenberg

There are also Several Species of the wild Rye to be met with in the praries.

From Project Gutenberg

With the wild-rye are mixed bunch-grass, blue-joint, and quantities of the wild-pea vine.

From Project Gutenberg