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

Incense and the smell of libations (ceremonial liquids) added yet another sensory dimension. — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026

Outdoor bars and pop-up tasting stands peppered the festival grounds, offering adult libations to the 21-and-over crowd dancing, moshing and rocking out all weekend. — Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

The Clove Bar mixologists have quite a command of indigenous ingredients and spices and use them beautifully in libations like the Munduk Mule and sparkling honey-and-lime Arak Madu; the bar serves Western staples and snacks throughout the day, too. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

The beverage menu is made with slight tweaks to take away day drinks, like coffee and the bloody Mary, and add dinner libations, like a negroni and wine by the bottle (in rose, white or sparklin’). — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 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