Definition

1. Noun:
   • The legal age at which a person is permitted to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages: "drinking age" refers to the minimum age established by law for the legal consumption of alcohol.

Usage

• The term "drinking age" is used to discuss legal regulations, public policy, and social norms concerning alcohol consumption.
• It is typically modified by a country or region (e.g., "the U.S. drinking age") or used in comparisons (e.g., "lower the drinking age").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The drinking age in this country is 21.
  • There is ongoing debate about whether the drinking age should be lowered to 18.
  • He was carded at the bar because he looked younger than the legal drinking age.

Advanced Usage

• "to be under the drinking age": to be younger than the legally permitted age for alcohol consumption.
  • She was denied entry to the club because she was under the drinking age.
• "to reach the drinking age": to attain the legal age for drinking.
  • He celebrated his birthday by going to a pub, as he had finally reached the drinking age.

Variants and Related Words

• Legal age (n): the age at which a person gains full legal rights and responsibilities, which may or may not coincide with the drinking age.
  • The legal age for signing a contract is 18.
• Age limit (n): a restriction based on age.
  • The amusement ride has a height requirement and an age limit.

Synonyms

• Legal drinking age: the formal, full term.
• Minimum age for alcohol consumption: a descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• ID check (n): the act of verifying a person's age, often related to enforcing the drinking age.
  • The store is strict and performs an ID check on anyone who looks young.
• Underage drinking (n): the consumption of alcohol by individuals below the legal drinking age.
  • The school has programs to educate students about the dangers of underage drinking.

Noun

1. the age at which is legal for a person to buy alcoholic beverages