refreshment

noun

re·​fresh·​ment ri-ˈfresh-mənt 

1

: the act of refreshing : the state of being refreshed

2

a

: something (such as food or drink) that refreshes

b refreshments plural

(1)

: a light meal

(2)

: assorted light foods

Examples of refreshment in a Sentence

Light refreshments will be served at the meeting.

The workers were in need of refreshment.

We went camping for relaxation and refreshment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Light refreshments will be served. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026

Key Sailing offers sailing lessons, along with private charters aboard their 41-foot Morgan yacht, complete with refreshments, chocolates, and music. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

There are activities, refreshments, info booths and talks. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026

When Ollie Robinson takes three wickets in an over, a man in advanced stages of refreshment dashes from the bar in the Harris Garden to watch a replay on the big screens, through the gap between two stands. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing refreshment

• liquid refreshment

Kids Definition

refreshment

noun

re·​fresh·​ment ri-ˈfresh-mənt 

1

: the act of refreshing : the state of being refreshed

2

a

: something that refreshes

b

plural : a light meal

refreshments will be served after the meeting