Definition

To drink or eat something in a greedy or excessive manner.

Example

After the long hike, he began to swill water from his bottle.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how fast he was swilling that drink at the party?

Yeah, it was like he hadn’t had anything to drink all night!

I guess he just loves to swill when he's having a good time.

Definitely! But I hope he doesn't regret it tomorrow.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of liquid food or drink, often mixed with solid scraps, that is usually given to animals or considered waste.

Example

The farmer used to swill the leftover food to the pigs every evening.

Conversation

Did you see that movie about the chef who serves swill to the customers?

Yeah, it was hilarious how he thought it was gourmet food!

I can't believe people actually paid for that swill.

Definition

To drink something in a greedy or excessive manner, often referring to liquids. It can also mean to feed animals with leftover food or to wash something with water.

Example

The thirsty man began to swill the water from the bottle.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how those guys at the bar swill their drinks?

Yeah, it's kind of embarrassing to watch, isn't it?

I can't believe they swill like that; it's so unrefined.

Root Explanation

Swill originates from Old English 'swillan', meaning to wash or to drink greedily. The word describes the act of drinking in a greedy or excessive manner, often referring to consuming liquids in a hurried or careless way.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'washing' ('swillan') down their drink quickly and greedily — that's why swill means to drink in a greedy manner.

Visually Confused Words