noun
Very common
drinking
DRIHNGK-ihng
Drinking (noun) means the act of consuming a beverage, especially alcohol. Example: “Doctors advise drinking plenty of water on hot days.”
noun
1
The act of consuming a beverage, especially alcohol.
"Doctors advise drinking plenty of water on hot days."
"Drinking too much coffee in the evening can keep you awake."
"His drinking became a concern for the family."
adj
1
Safe or suitable for drinking.
"They tested the well for drinking water quality."
"The campsite has a tap with clean drinking water."
"Travellers should boil river water if no drinking supply is available."
How to use drinking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishConsuming a drink, or (as an adjective) fit to be drunk, as in "drinking water."
Common pairings
drinking water
binge drinking
drinking problem
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Word forms
- Plural
- drinkings
- Comparative
- more drinking
- Superlative
- most drinking
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Doctors advise _____ plenty of water on hot days.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English [Term?]. By surface analysis, drink + -ing.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for drinking
See all rhymes for drinking →Frequently asked questions
What does “drinking” mean?
The word “drinking” means the act of consuming a beverage, especially alcohol. In plain terms, consuming a drink, or (as an adjective) fit to be drunk, as in "drinking water.".
How do you pronounce “drinking”?
“Drinking” is pronounced DRIHNGK-ihng (/ˈdɹɪŋk.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “drinking” in a sentence?
Here is “drinking” used in a sentence: “His drinking became a concern for the family.”
What part of speech is “drinking”?
Depending on how it is used, “drinking” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “drinking” a common word?
“Drinking” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “drinking” have?
“Drinking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of consuming a beverage, especially alcohol.
Does 'drinking' always mean alcohol?
Not literally, but often by implication. On its own, drinking is simply consuming any beverage — water, tea, or juice. However, when someone is said to have a 'drinking problem' or to be 'out drinking,' the word usually refers to alcohol. Context makes clear whether alcohol is meant or just an ordinary drink.
What is an example of drinking?
Sipping a glass of water, having a cup of coffee, or enjoying a soft drink are all examples of drinking in the plain sense. In the narrower sense, drinking can mean consuming alcoholic beverages, as in social drinking at a celebration. Both describe the same basic act of taking in liquid.
Is drinking the same as being drunk?
No. Drinking is the act of consuming a beverage, while drunk describes the state of being affected by alcohol. You can drink without becoming drunk, especially with non-alcoholic or moderate amounts. 'Drunk' is also the past participle of the verb drink, which is why the two words are sometimes confused.
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