drink
/dɹɪŋk/
The word functions as a versatile bridge between biological necessity and social ritual. In its basic sense, it is a neutral, functional action of hydration. When used intransitively (e.g., "he drinks"), the meaning shifts sharply toward alcohol. This usage often carries a weight of habit or addiction, moving the word from a simple physical act to a lifestyle characteristic or a medical concern. As a noun, it typically refers to something more intentional than water—a beverage with flavor, purpose, or social value. It is common in hospitality and casual social invitations.
Countable when referring to a single serving in a glass or a specific type of beverage ('Let's grab a drink'). Uncountable when referring to the general act of consuming alcohol ('He has a problem with drink').
💬Casual Conversation
Dude, I'm gonna grab a drink. Want anything?
Nah, I'm all set. Just chugging a Red Bull.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
drinking water
water intended for human consumption.
Make sure to provide plenty of drinking water for the guests.
drinking fountain
a public drinking water dispenser.
He stopped to get a drink from the drinking fountain.
drinking straw
a tube used for drinking liquids.
Could I have a drinking straw with my iced tea?
drinking glass
a glass container used for drinking liquids.
She washed the drinking glass and put it away.
drinking habit
a regular pattern of consuming beverages, especially alcoholic ones.
He is trying to change his drinking habit.
Phrasal Verbs
drink up
to drink all of something.
Drink up your milk before you go to bed.
drink in
to absorb or take in something with your senses or mind.
She stood on the balcony, drinking in the beautiful scenery.
drink down
to drink something quickly, often to get rid of a feeling or to consume it entirely.
He had to drink down the bitter medicine.
Idioms & Sayings
drink like a fish
to drink a large amount of alcohol regularly.
Everyone knew he drank like a fish at parties.
in the drink
in the sea or a large body of water.
The ship sank, and all the passengers went in the drink.
drink to someone's health
to raise a glass and drink in honor of someone's well-being.
We all stood up to drink to the bride's health.
a hard drink
an alcoholic beverage.
He ordered a hard drink at the bar.
Etymology
The word 'drink' comes from the Old English word 'drincan,' meaning 'to swallow liquid.' It has roots in Proto-Germanic (drinkanan) and Proto-Indo-European (dremg-, dremk-), suggesting a common origin for words related to drinking across many languages. The meaning has remained remarkably consistent over centuries, referring to the act of taking liquid into the body.