1 B2 informal
To drink a large amount of liquid very fast and greedily.
"After the match, he guzzled down three bottles of water without stopping."
separable
guzzle down
B2 informal separable transitive
To drink something greedily or in large quantities very quickly.
In plain English
To drink a lot of something very fast in a greedy way.
What does "guzzle down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To consume fuel or resources in large, wasteful amounts (figurative extension).
"That old truck guzzles down petrol like there's no tomorrow."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To guzzle (drink greedily) something so it goes down the throat.
Actually means
To drink a lot of something very fast in a greedy way.
Usage tip
Informal and mildly disapproving in tone. Primarily used for liquids, though occasionally for food. Emphasises excess and lack of restraint. Neutral in terms of regional variation but common in British and North American English.
Words that pair with "guzzle down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
beer water juice soda energy drink wine
How to conjugate "guzzle down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
guzzle down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
guzzles down
he/she/it
Past simple
guzzled down
yesterday
Past participle
guzzled down
have + pp
-ing form
guzzling down
continuous
Hear "guzzle down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "guzzle down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.