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; drink, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The app is being used to confirm the drinking age of users at supermarkets, book doctors’ appointments and enter museums.

From The Wall Street Journal

I stopped drinking hot chocolate after reading in a grocery-store tabloid that one shouldn’t drink their calories.

From Salon

Zara’s got one in her hand too, but I know she’s not drinking it.

From Literature

As she nuzzled her face into the small girl’s nest of hair, a warm look came over her: deeply content, as if her soul were drinking a huge cup of tea.

From Literature

Fewer people are eating dessert and drinking like they used to.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• expenditure
• utilization