drinking

American  

[dring-king] / ˈdrɪŋ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. suitable or safe to drink.

   drinking water.

2. used in drinking.

   a drinking glass.

3. addicted to or indulging excessively in alcohol.

   Is he a drinking man?

4. of or relating to the act of drinking, especially the drinking of alcohol.

   a drinking companion.

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noun

1. habitual and excessive consumption of alcohol.

   His drinking caused him to lose his job.

Other Word Forms

• undrinking
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of drinking

A Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; see origin at drink, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Britt said water-reuse projects will help secure safe drinking water, reinforce corporate investment in communities and ensure that “farmers have the water they need to grow our food.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

As rumours spread that Anne Boleyn, the English queen, is about to be executed, three working-class women in Essex sit around drinking, gossiping and wondering what it all means for them.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

"Currently, most wastewater treatment plants can only remove large particles of plastic, but microplastics are so small that they slip through and end up in drinking water, polluting the environment and harming ecosystems."

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

According to testimony in the criminal trial, Erickson and Grossman were drinking margaritas at a local cantina before the pair got into their respective vehicles and headed to Grossman’s home to watch a presidential debate.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

But the team is moving and seems healthy and everybody is eating and drinking and the scenery is so beautiful that it doesn’t matter how far we’re behind.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• expenditure
• utilization