Imbiber: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who drinks alcohol.

• The novel's protagonist was an imbiber of fine wines.
• At the event, several imbibers gathered to taste the new selection.

A general term used in everyday conversation to describe someone who consumes alcohol, without any implication of addiction.

• She's a social drinker who enjoys a glass of wine with dinner.
• He is an occasional drinker, preferring beer during the weekends.

Used in medical or serious contexts to describe someone addicted to alcohol. This term typically has a negative connotation.

• He sought help after realizing he was an alcoholic.
• The support group offers assistance for recovering alcoholics.

Informal and often slightly derogatory, used to describe someone who drinks a lot. It can sometimes convey a sense of humor or affection in certain contexts.

• She's known as the office lush, always the first to suggest happy hour.
• During the holiday party, the usually reserved John turned into a bit of a lush.

Same word as earlier, typically used to describe someone who consumes liquids, mostly alcoholic drinks.

• As an imbiber, she enjoyed tasting a variety of cocktails

Used more generally to describe something or someone that takes in liquids, energy, or information efficiently.

• The sponge is an excellent absorber of water
• He's a quick absorber of new knowledge

Usually refers to an object or person that becomes saturated with liquid. Can sometimes imply something or someone heavily drenched.

• The heavy rain turned him into a soaker in minutes
• The towel became a soaker after being left in the pool

Commonly refers to a material used for cleaning or absorbing liquids. It can also describe someone who relies on others excessively for resources (negative connotation).

• Use a sponge to clean up the spill
• He was such a sponge, always borrowing money from his friends