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

Seek libations among the bars of Spanish Mission-style New Regent Street. —Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

Bars are the clear winner of these opening matches with fans spotted dancing on tables, chanting their lungs out, and depleting establishments of all libations. —Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Since the repeal of Prohibition, states have taken care to make sure that liquor is harder to access than other libations because of its high alcohol content. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026

For quick bites and coffee on the go, the hotel also offers two cafés, Plnthouse, on the second floor, and Neighbors, in the lobby (as well as a lobby bar, Drift, with bites and libations available until eleven o’clock at night). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 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