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
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.
Early on, Romeo appears in the back of a black Cadillac pickup truck, imbibing a shot alongside Juliet, while another Romeo gets tattooed atop the neighboring SUV. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 Live music, soft-tissue massages and dabs — weed concentrates — are available for those who care to imbibe. Kyle Martin, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025 For many, their choice to imbibe, abstain, drink less, or enjoy booze-free alternatives is deeply personal. Jessi Roti, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025 What ska had imbibed from American jazz and R&B was a musical ESP about where to put the emphasis and where to leave some space. Ian Penman, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 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 12 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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