drinking

[dring-king]

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.

noun

1. habitual and excessive consumption of alcohol.

   His drinking caused him to lose his job.

Other Word Forms

• undrinking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of drinking¹

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

Example Sentences

The trial previously heard he sent a note calling Ms Klass a naughty vixen and wrote Ms Breathwick a letter saying he wanted to go paddling in a lake with both women while drinking champagne.

From BBC

She told local children's services in 2004 that she was "hanging around" with groups of older men, drinking and smoking cannabis, the court heard.

From BBC

For a sore throat, drinking plenty of fluids and having a teaspoon of honey may help, the NHS says.

From BBC

"They tend to be the frothy coffee drinking liberal lefties. They are speaking to the same people," they added.

From BBC

"Eleven years married, three children. My husband started drinking alcohol, started getting on the whisky and then he divorced me," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• expenditure 
• utilization