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

In place of last year’s small stage in a corner was an elevated stage, a room to hold guest speakers, two bars to distribute libations, and plenty of seating. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 July 2024

Loading your audio article Frothy, sweet and deliciously complex, root beer is the kind of bubbly libation that’s exactly right on a hot day. —Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 9 July 2024

Later the group adjourned to landscape architect’s Edwina Von Gal’s waterfront home for nibbles and libations. —Nancy Kane, New York Daily News, 27 June 2024

Who doesn’t dream of cooling off with a fruity libation while lounging beside palm trees swaying in the breeze on a pristine white-sand beach? —David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 13 June 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