drunkard

American  

[druhng-kerd] / ˈdrʌŋ kərd /

noun

Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a habitual drinker of alcohol who is frequently intoxicated.

   Synonyms:

   tippler, sot, lush

   Antonyms:

   teetotaler

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drunkard British  

/ ˈdrʌŋkəd /

noun

1. a person who is frequently or habitually drunk

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Related Words

See inebriate.

Etymology

Origin of drunkard

First recorded in 1520–40; see origin at drunk, -ard

Example Sentences

With imaginative sympathy Tolstoy becomes a general in battle, a young girl at her first ball, a disillusioned prince, a drunkard, a lover—often amid a backdrop “laden with snow.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

"Our boy deserves answers and we as a family deserve answers. Nathan wasn't a drunkard who'd go out and forget about everything. Nathan was really with it," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

Every episode is a tantalising prospect as the story gallops towards a conclusion like a windmilling drunkard, and none have disappointed so far.

From The Guardian • Aug. 21, 2017

Ollmann clearly admires Seabrook’s writing and adventuresome spirit, the ways he was both the fearless boy reporter Tintin and the inept but noble drunkard Captain Haddock at the same time.

From Slate • Feb. 10, 2017

Half a mile south of Castle Black, Edd urged his garron close to Jon’s and said, “M’lord? Look up there. The big drunkard on the hill.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin