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 of libation

• drink
• beverage

Examples of libation in a Sentence

They offered libations at the temple.

We met for a libation after work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Producers are crafting a variety of exciting libations, from whiskey and gin to vodka, rum, and tequila. —Essence, 26 Nov. 2025

Mocktails like Sweater Weather and Citrus Spark are available for those who prefer alcohol-free libations. —Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 19 Nov. 2025

The cocktails are standout, with lots of libations made with Outer Banks Distilling (the rum is excellent). —Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2025

Its iterations of the iconic libation — each arrives pre-salted — run from the classic to the frozen guacamole-flavored to the salsa-oriented. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for libation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

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