libation

noun

li·​ba·​tion lī-ˈbā-shən 

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

lī-ˈbā-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• beverage
• drink
• drinkable
• potable
• quencher

Examples of libation in a Sentence

They offered libations at the temple.

We met for a libation after work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Local vendors sell libations and food, and additional restaurants are within walking distance of the venue. —Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 20 May 2024

Slow down, smell the roses and watch the sun dip behind the mountains while enjoying bar libations, food trucks, and acoustic tunes in the garden. —Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

libation

noun

li·​ba·​tion lī-ˈbā-shən 

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