drink

1 of 2

verb

drank ˈdraŋk How to pronounce drink (audio) ; drunk ˈdrəŋk How to pronounce drink (audio) or drank; drinking

transitive verb

1
a
: swallow, imbibe
drink a glass of water
b
: to take in or suck up : absorb
drinking air into his lungs
c
: to take in or receive avidly
usually used with in
drank in every word of the lecture
2
: to join in a toast (see toast entry 1 sense 2a) to
I'll drink your good health.
3
: to bring to a specified state by drinking alcoholic beverages
drank himself into oblivion

intransitive verb

1
a
: to take liquid into the mouth for swallowing
eating and drinking
b
: to receive into one's consciousness
drinking deep of the culture which surrounds themL. R. Ward
2
: to partake of alcoholic beverages
has quit drinking
3
: to make or join in a toast
I'll drink to that!

drink

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a liquid suitable for swallowing
provided with food and drink
b
: alcoholic beverages
2
: a draft (see draft entry 1 sense 2b) or portion of liquid
poured herself a drink
3
: excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
he took to drink when his business failed
4
: a sizable body of water
used with the
landed in the drink
Phrases
drink the Kool-Aid
[after a 1978 mass suicide in Guyana brought about when members of the Peoples Temple cult were ordered to consume a flavored drink mixed with cyanide] : to comply unquestioningly with the demands or policies of a particular leader, ideology, or organization

Examples of drink in a Sentence

Verb The baby still drinks from a bottle. What would you like to drink? We drank orange juice with breakfast. I drink lots of water when I'm hiking. She drank too much last night and woke up sick this morning. It's not safe to drink and drive. She drank herself into a stupor. He nearly drank himself to death. Noun We serve coffee, tea, and other hot drinks. Food and drink will be provided. They went to the bar for a few drinks. Can I get you another drink? He took a long drink from his glass.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Some TikTok users have hypothesized that drinking or gargling pickle juice could help alleviate sore throat symptoms, which medical experts say is likely valid due to its salt and water content. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024 Mike DeWine, the governor of Ohio, drank tap water from a resident’s kitchen on TV. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024 The majority of Gen Z is uninterested in drinking alcohol or taking drugs, so much so that the nightlife scene is suffering abysmally, with new closures announced every week. Rebecca Cope, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024 In fact, people drink more coffee than any other beverage, including tap or bottled water, the group noted. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2024 People who drink it might experience loose stools and other unpleasant digestive symptoms. Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024 Participants often drink around three cups of ayahuasca—each about the size of an espresso shot—throughout the night as shamans and healing elders sing icaros, or prayers through song, to facilitate a sense of calm and tranquility. Michaela Trimble, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2024 In the meantime, Bruning said Ohioans should look to ride services and other transit options when drinking. Max Filby, The Enquirer, 5 Apr. 2024 One area of focus for the investigation is whether the group had inside knowledge of the facility, said the source, who added that the heist was discovered on Monday. BREAKFAST BROWSE Is decaf coffee safe to drink? Alexandra Banner, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
Noun
Bar director Harrison Ginsberg oversees the cocktail program at this quintessential New York rooftop bar, with drinks that lean on classic ingredients elevated by innovative techniques. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024 Customers have a choice of add-ons in their drinks, such as boba — tapioca balls — and popping boba. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024 That’s good news for folks looking for a bite or a drink before heading to a show at The Vivarium, the new music venue that opened in February across the street on Farwell Avenue. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024 There’s no liquor license, but the menu offers a solid array of drinks — ranging from a bottle of Mexican Coke ($5) to a draft beer ($7) or an Aperol spritz ($14). Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2024 The blended drink created in Oatzempic may range from 150-200 calories, depending on its preparation. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024 Get The Recipe 18 of 23 Spiked Eggnog Bundt Cake While you might be done with eggnog for the year, this ultra-rich bundt made with the flavors of the holiday drink is a fun new way to enjoy the seasonal treat. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2024 Plus, The Mission’s menu has a variety of specialty drinks such as an Oregon chai latte, a mango green tea smoothie, beer and mimosas. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024 Steep it in simple syrup for a throat remedy, drink mixer, or ice cream, pancake or fruit salad topping. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'drink.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Old English drincan; akin to Old High German trinkan to drink

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of drink was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near drink

Cite this Entry

“Drink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drink. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

drink

1 of 2 verb
drank ˈdraŋk How to pronounce drink (audio) ; drunk ˈdrəŋk How to pronounce drink (audio) or drank; drinking
1
a
: to swallow liquid
c
: to take in through the senses
drink in the scenery
2
: to drink alcoholic beverages
drinker noun

drink

2 of 2 noun
1
a
b
: alcoholic liquor
2
: a draft or portion of liquid

Medical Definition

drink

1 of 2 verb
drank ˈdraŋk How to pronounce drink (audio) ; drunk ˈdrəŋk How to pronounce drink (audio) or drank; drinking

transitive verb

: swallow, imbibe
drink liquid

intransitive verb

1
: to take liquid into the mouth for swallowing
2
: to partake of alcoholic beverages especially habitually
specifically : to indulge in alcoholic beverages with disagreeable effect

drink

2 of 2 noun
1
: liquid suitable for swallowing especially to quench thirst or to provide nourishment or refreshment
2
: alcoholic liquor
3
: a draft or portion of liquid (as water or a prepared beverage) taken or to be taken by an individual at one time

More from Merriam-Webster on drink

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