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drinking

n. · adj.
US //ˈdɹɪŋkɪŋ// UK //dɹˈɪŋkɪŋ// drink·ing
  1. 1 consuming alcohol (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the habit or act of consuming alcoholic drinks.

    the consumption of alcoholic beverages, often implying a social activity or a habitual practice.

    Example

    He decided to give up drinking for a month to improve his health.

    Example

    The study examines the correlation between social drinking and long-term cardiovascular health in middle-aged adults.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the habit in general.
    • alcohol consumption
    • boozing
  2. 2 safe to consume (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    safe or suitable for people to drink.

    describing water or other liquids that are potable and safe for human consumption.

    Example

    Is the tap water here safe for drinking?

    Example

    The charity focused on providing clean drinking water to remote villages that lacked basic infrastructure.
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  1. 3 used for liquids (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describing an object made specifically for holding or serving drinks.

    attributive use describing vessels or containers designed for the purpose of consumption.

    Example

    She bought a set of crystal drinking glasses for the dinner party.

    Example

    The archaeological site yielded several ornate drinking vessels used during ceremonial feasts in the fourteenth century.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English [Term?]. By surface analysis, drink + -ing.

Idioms1 entry

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