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

Refuel with dinner and libations at Shine, which boasts Shine Slushies among its adult beverage options. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2025

Weekend brunch, baby showers, engagement parties, wedding receptions, graduation and birthday parties, backyard cookouts and other celebratory gatherings call for special libations. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 6 May 2025

That local food and libations are available on board—thanks to Silversea Cruises’ S.A.L.T. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

Ahead of the summer season when popularity swells for sweeter libations, Deep Eddy vodka, Hornitos tequila, and Chinola liqueur are among the major brands that have launched new pineapple expressions. —John Kell, Forbes.com, 14 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