What does supping mean?
Supping means drinking alcohol, particularly in the relaxed atmosphere of a party or gathering. Its present-day use often carries a convivial, slightly old-fashioned tone, evoking companions sharing drinks and conversation rather than alcohol consumption in a clinical or neutral sense. The word can also have an older sense connected with eating supper, although that meaning is now uncommon. In contemporary writing, supping is most likely to appear in literary dialogue, historical prose, or descriptions of social occasions. Its usefulness lies in this atmosphere: the verb conveys both the act and the social ritual of taking a drink, while suggesting a degree of informality and tradition that simple alternatives such as drinking or tippling may not carry. Even when used only for its modern sense, it often gives a passage a distinctive, faintly nostalgic character.
To drink alcohol, especially in a social or convivial setting.
"They spent the night supping at the tavern."
Chiefly literary, informal, or archaic in modern English.
To eat supper; to take one's evening meal.
"The travelers supped by the fire before continuing on their way."
An older sense that survives mainly in literary and historical contexts.
From taverns to modern gatherings, supping carries the distinctly convivial image of taking a drink with companions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supping come from?
Supping is the present participle of the older verb sup. The verb is Middle English in origin and developed from Old French sopper, meaning to drink or to take a meal. Its older association with eating supper accounts for the secondary sense now preserved mainly in historical and literary usage.
Related word forms
How supping is actually used
Today, the word is chiefly literary, informal, or mildly archaic. It may sound dated or deliberately traditional, and in modern usage it usually implies drinking alcohol.
Easily confused with supping
Supping often implies drinking alcohol, often convivially, whereas sipping generally means taking small sips of any drink.