drink / dringk/ • v. (past drank / drangk/ ; past part. drunk / drəngk/ ) [tr.] take (a liquid) into the mouth and swallow: we sat by the fire, drinking our coffee | [intr.] he drank thirstily. ∎  [intr.] consume or be in the habit of consuming alcohol, esp. to excess: she doesn't drink or smoke he drank himself into a stupor | [as n.] (drinking) Les was ordered to cut down his drinking. ∎  [intr.] (drink up) consume the rest of a drink, esp. in a rapid manner. ∎  (drink something in) fig. watch or listen to something with eager pleasure or interest: she strolled to the window to drink in the view. ∎  inf. (of a plant or a porous substance) absorb (moisture). ∎  [intr.] (of wine) have a specified flavor or character when drunk: this wine is really drinking beautifully.• n. a liquid that can be swallowed as refreshment or nourishment: cans of soda and other drinks | a table covered with food and drink. ∎  a quantity of liquid swallowed: he had a drink of water. ∎  alcohol, or the habitual or excessive consumption of alcohol: the effects of too much drink they both took to drink. ∎  a glass of liquid, esp. when alcoholic: we went for a drink. ∎  (the drink) inf. the sea or another large area of water.PHRASES: drink and drive drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.drink deep take a large draft or drafts of something: fig. he learned to drink deep of the Catholic tradition. drink someone's health express one's good wishes for someone by raising one's glass and drinking a small amount.drink (a toast) to celebrate or wish for the good fortune of someone or something by raising one's glass and drinking a small amount.drink someone under the table inf. consume as much alcohol as one's drinking companion without becoming as drunk.I'll drink to that uttered to express one's agreement with or approval of a statement.DERIVATIVES: drink·a·ble adj.