English · Word Candidate

sober

/ˈsəʊ.bə(ɹ)/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: soberer · soberest · sobers · sobering

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not drunk; not intoxicated.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Not under the influence of any recreational drug.

Adjective

Ten months sober, I must admit Just because you're clean, don't mean you don't miss it

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To make or become sober.

Verb

His expression sobered.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To overcome or lose a state of intoxication.

Verb

It took him hours to sober up.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “sober” mean?

Not drunk; not intoxicated.

Is “sober” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.