top of page
The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

tipsy

IPA:

How to pronounce tipsy (audio)

Dictionary definition of tipsy

Slightly intoxicated or inebriated due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
"She felt a bit tipsy after drinking a glass of wine at the party."

Detailed meaning of tipsy

When someone is characterized as tipsy, it suggests that they have consumed enough alcohol to experience a mild or moderate level of drunkenness. This state of being tipsy often leads to a sense of lightheadedness, impaired coordination, and a relaxed or euphoric mood. While a tipsy person is not heavily drunk, they may exhibit slightly unsteady movements and altered behavior compared to their sober state. It's important to note that "tipsy" generally implies a moderate level of alcohol consumption and is distinct from being fully intoxicated or drunk.

Example sentences containing tipsy

1. She got a little tipsy at the party but managed to stay in control.
2. Feeling tipsy, he stumbled onto the dance floor, drawing amused glances.
3. After a few drinks, we all grew tipsy, sharing stories and laughter.
4. The tipsy laughter of friends filled the room as they reminisced.
5. He became tipsy from sipping on the strong, homemade moonshine.
6. She laughed uncontrollably, her tipsy antics becoming the life of the party.

History and etymology of tipsy

The adjective 'tipsy,' meaning slightly intoxicated or inebriated, has a charming and somewhat whimsical etymology. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century from the obsolete word 'tip,' which meant to tap or touch lightly. The idea behind 'tipsy' is that when someone consumes alcohol, they become unsteady on their feet and may appear as though they are lightly tapping or swaying. Over time, 'tipsy' came to describe that pleasant state of mild drunkenness where one's balance and judgment are slightly affected, but not to the point of full-blown intoxication. It's a word that captures the lighthearted and somewhat playful nature of being just a little bit under the influence of alcohol.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective tipsy:

Try Again!

Correct!

Further usage examples of tipsy

1. They shared a tipsy kiss under the starry sky, lost in the moment.
2. The tipsy revelers raised their glasses in a toast to the night.
3. Tipsy guests swayed to the music, creating a joyful, carefree atmosphere.
4. We strolled along the moonlit beach, feeling slightly tipsy and carefree.
5. The room echoed with tipsy conversations and the clinking of glasses.
6. She attempted to hide her tipsy state with a dazzling smile.
7. After a few cocktails, they felt delightfully tipsy but not overly so.
8. Tipsy friends ordered late-night pizza, savoring each cheesy bite.
9. The tipsy couple whispered sweet nothings to each other in the dim light.
10. He recounted tipsy adventures, making everyone burst into laughter.
11. She swayed on the dance floor, her tipsy grace captivating the crowd.
12. The bartender refused to serve the tipsy patron any more drinks.
13. Feeling tipsy, they decided to call a cab rather than risk driving.
14. The tipsy atmosphere in the pub was infectious and full of merriment.
15. Laughter filled the air as they shared tipsy stories and secrets.
16. She woke up feeling groggy and tipsy after a night of revelry.
17. The tipsy guest struggled to keep their balance on the wobbly chair.
18. Tipsy patrons raised their voices in song, creating a joyful cacophony.
19. The tipsy group decided to embark on an impromptu late-night adventure.

ACT 3 (American College Testing), Enjoyment and Indulgence, Celebration and Festivities

intoxicated

buzzed, sober, clear-headed, abstinent

eb68db_ebd8814f1f6b4a4d9cfdd8312e0a3374.mp3

buzzed,dizzy,drunk,impaired,lightheaded,merry,unsteady,wobbly,woozy

bottom of page