LATIN DICTIONARYLexicon Latīnum

Nunc est bibendum

“Now is the time to drink”

NVNC · EST · BIBENDVM

Classical: the author's own words

Horace, Odes 1.37.1

The celebration of Cleopatra's defeat in 30 BC.

Word by word

  1. Nuncnuncnow
  2. estsum essebe, exist; fut. infin. often = fore, impf. subj. often = forem for essem3rd sg. pres. act. ind.
  3. bibendumbibō -ereto drinkacc. gerund

Using it as a motto or tattoo

Latin endings carry gender and number, so a saying about one person may need changing for another. Check your own version, or have three new ones composed, on the motto desk.

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Quick answers

What does “Nunc est bibendum” mean?
“Nunc est bibendum” means “Now is the time to drink”. The celebration of Cleopatra's defeat in 30 BC.
Who said “Nunc est bibendum”?
Horace, Odes 1.37.1.