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

• 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

People can also listen to live music on the community stage with the Coral Bells Band and a have a beverage at the libations lounge, or find healthy, organic food by the hillside. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025

Bustling until midnight daily, the terrace opens at 11 a.m. and the interior at 5 p.m., with libations available from coffee to spritzes all day and snacks until 10 p.m. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025

Plus coming up with your own libation from among 70 types of gins is a fun game of choose your own adventure. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025

Refuel with dinner and libations at Shine, which boasts Shine Slushies among its adult beverage options. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 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