libation

noun

li·​ba·​tion lī-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce libation (audio)
1
a
: an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity)
They offered a libation at the temple.
b
: a liquid (such as wine) used in a libation
2
a
: an act or instance of drinking often ceremoniously
a libation to celebrate their anniversary
b
: beverage
especially : a drink containing alcohol
His favorite libation is scotch on the rocks.
libationary adjective

Examples of libation in a Sentence

They offered libations at the temple. We met for a libation after work.
Recent Examples on the Web Fairyland invites adults for an Alice in Wonderland immersive experience filled with fantasy, dance, games, live entertainment and special libations including the March Hare’s Madness cocktail. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 The soirée featured a personalized touch with a signature Tres ’73 cocktail, adding flair to the evening’s libations. Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 9 Feb. 2024 The menu features coffees, libations, sandwiches, salads and breakfast items, while the overall space holds pet retail, a retail wall of wine (complete with a sliding ladder), knick knacks and succulents for sale in handcrafted pots, and grocery items like honeys, sauces, and jams. Katie Toussaint, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Light bites and Ketel One libations inspired by the MACRO/eOnefilm. 3:00pm-3:45pm Freaky Tales. Okla Jones, Essence, 19 Jan. 2024 Perhaps conscious drinkers are looking to cut down on sugary libations? Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Get the recipe > Arnaud's French 75 While this elegant libation of cognac, lemon, and champagne French 75 didn’t originate in New Orleans, it’s widely associated with Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, which dates back to the late 1800s. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024 But that boost alone wasn’t enough to result in a hoppy pale ale; most of the beer being shipped eastward was darker porter, the libation of the British working and soldiering class. Tony Rehagen, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024 Still, mead remains somewhat of an underground libation in a town where bourbon and craft beer reign. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'libation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English libacioun, from Latin libation-, libatio, from libare to pour as an offering; akin to Greek leibein to pour

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of libation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near libation

Cite this Entry

“Libation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

libation

noun
li·​ba·​tion lī-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce libation (audio)
1
a
: the act of pouring a liquid in honor of a god
b
: a liquid (as wine) poured as a libation
2
: a drink poured or taken as if to honor a god

More from Merriam-Webster on libation

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