drinking Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of consuming liquids
    imbibition; imbibing.
  2. noun the act of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess
    crapulence; drink; boozing; drunkenness.
    • drink was his downfall
  3. verb take in liquids
    imbibe; drink.
    • The patient must drink several liters each day
    • The children like to drink soda
  4. verb consume alcohol
    fuddle; booze; drink.
    • We were up drinking all night
  5. verb propose a toast to
    toast; drink; wassail; pledge; salute.
    • Let us toast the birthday girl!
    • Let's drink to the New Year
  6. verb be fascinated or spell-bound by; pay close attention to
    drink; drink in.
    • The mother drinks in every word of her son on the stage
  7. verb drink excessive amounts of alcohol; be an alcoholic
    tope; drink.
    • The husband drinks and beats his wife

WordNet

Drink"ing noun
Definitions
  1. The act of one who drinks; the act of imbibing.
  2. The practice of partaking to excess of intoxicating liquors.
  3. An entertainment with liquors; a carousal. ✍ Drinking is used adjectively, or as the first part of a compound; as, a drinking song, drinking cup, drinking glass, drinking house, etc.

Webster 1913