/dring"king/ , adj.
1. suitable or safe to drink: drinking water.
2. used in drinking: a drinking glass.
3. addicted to or indulging excessively in alcohol: Is he a drinking man?
4. of or pertaining to the act of drinking, esp. the drinking of alcohol: a drinking companion.
n.
5. habitual and excessive consumption of alcohol: His drinking caused him to lose his job.
[ 1125-75; ME; see DRINK, -ING 2 , -ING 1 ]