imbibe

verb

im·​bibe im-ˈbīb How to pronounce imbibe (audio)
imbibed; imbibing

transitive verb

1
a
: drink
b
: to take in or up
a sponge imbibes moisture
2
a
: to receive into the mind and retain
imbibe moral principles
b
: to assimilate or take into solution
3
archaic : soak, steep

intransitive verb

1
2
a
: to take in liquid
b
: to absorb or assimilate moisture, gas, light, or heat
imbiber noun

Examples of imbibe in a Sentence

She imbibed vast quantities of coffee. She never imbibes but isn't offended when others do.
Recent Examples on the Web There is an increasingly large audience looking for intoxicant-free alternatives, with Gen Z imbibing 20 percent less than Millennials and many health buffs opting to go alcohol-free. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2024 Of course, few people unseal the collector’s item to imbibe and take it home to add to their collection. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 Those looking to imbibe in the hotel can head to Stir, the lobby-level bar that also serves light bites. Christine Burroni, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2024 The nutcracker Those enjoying hot chocolate, hot apple cider or other nonalcoholic drinks can imbibe from this stately design. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imbibe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imbibe.' 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

Middle English enbiben to absorb, cause to absorb, from Latin imbibere to drink in, absorb, from in- + bibere to drink — more at potable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of imbibe was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near imbibe

Cite this Entry

“Imbibe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbibe. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

imbibe

verb
im·​bibe im-ˈbīb How to pronounce imbibe (audio)
imbibed; imbibing
1
: to receive into the mind and retain
imbibe knowledge
2
imbiber noun

More from Merriam-Webster on imbibe

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