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

Closing off a superfluous doorway, Ashley centered the entertaining space around a custom built-in inspired by an antique library hutch, which features a wet bar and storage for everything from libations and glassware to toys. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026

The event included a procession, prayers, libations, community testimonials and site consecration Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Atlanta. —Alia Pharr, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Barrio is another pub using libations to warm those who take part. —Reg Chapman, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

Wind down after a busy week with a creative libation, perhaps a hibiscus velvet mule or a luxe mocktail. —Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 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