# sipping

/ˈsɪpɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈɪpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sipping
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

drinking something very slowly by taking only a tiny amount into your mouth at one time.

For teachers: drinking a liquid in small quantities or mouthfuls. The present participle of 'sip', often used to describe a relaxed or careful manner of consumption.

## Examples

- She is sipping her hot tea by the window.
- We spent the entire afternoon sitting on the porch, sipping cold lemonade and watching the cars go by.
- While the rest of the guests finished their drinks quickly, he remained in the corner, slowly sipping his vintage wine to appreciate its complex flavors.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She is sipping of her coffee" but "She is sipping her coffee" — Sip is a transitive verb and does not require the preposition 'of' before the object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive or intransitive; it can take a direct object or stand alone.

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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.