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

The beverage menu is made with slight tweaks to take away day drinks, like coffee and the bloody Mary, and add dinner libations, like a negroni and wine by the bottle (in rose, white or sparklin’). — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Sacramento-area Eastern European eateries including Noroc Restaurant will serve traditional fare, while a beer and wine garden offers libations to adults 21 and up. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Four days before they’re set to play the first-ever concert by their new band, Dhani Harrison and Nigel Godrich sit down to enjoy a post-rehearsal libation in the parking lot of a North Hollywood practice space. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Those who want to partake in an alcoholic libation have a few more options, and most are still themed after seaside carnivals and summer days. — Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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