# drinking

/ˈdɹɪŋkɪŋ/ (US) · /dɹˈɪŋkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drinking
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. consuming alcohol

noun · CEFR A2

the habit or act of consuming alcoholic drinks.

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

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

### 3. safe to consume

adjective · CEFR B1

safe or suitable for people to drink.

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

- Is the tap water here safe for drinking?
- The charity focused on providing clean drinking water to remote villages that lacked basic infrastructure.

### 4. used for liquids

adjective · CEFR B1

describing an object made specifically for holding or serving drinks.

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

- She bought a set of crystal drinking glasses for the dinner party.
- The archaeological site yielded several ornate drinking vessels used during ceremonial feasts in the fourteenth century.

## Examples

- He gave up drinking coffee late at night.
- The doctor advised him that heavy drinking could lead to serious liver problems later in life.
- While moderate social drinking is common in many cultures, public health initiatives often focus on the risks associated with binge consumption and long-term dependency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.