imbibe

verb

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

transitive verb

1
a
formal + often humorous : drink
imbibing large amounts of coffee/wine
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
formal + often humorous : drink sense 2
He no longer imbibes, but doesn't mind if others do.
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The poll also suggested that members of Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, were imbibing far less than the generations that preceded them, reinforcing a wealth of anecdotal evidence from bar and club owners that twentysomethings just aren’t enamored of drinking culture. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2026 Those up for a nightcap have Eight Cigar Lounge, where event partner Cohiba will host a Cut and Light session while non-smokers can imbibe in an array of fine spirits complemented by an atmosphere redolent with pregame camaraderie. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2026 Yet just as humans seem inherently inclined to imbibe addictive substances, so too are governments inclined to embrace this prohibitionist mentality at every opportunity. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026 Speaking of rum—Barbados is considered the birthplace of the spirit, after all—you’ll have ample opportunities to imbibe thanks to more than 1,500 watering holes. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imbibe

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imbibe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbibe. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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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