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

The changing season doesn’t just mean a swap of your wardrobe and coat selection but also a new libation. —Patrice J. Williams, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025

The libations menu includes an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and mocktails, such as Weak in the Knees, a milk punch with spiced tamarind syrup, lemon, demerara syrup and Pathfinder Amaro. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2025

It's concocted with a housemade pecan bourbon that sets this drink apart from similar libations, and also features bitters and maple orange syrup. —Megan Stringer, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024

Dim lighting and flowing libations make a bar feel like the perfect, low-pressure environment to meet a potential partner. —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2024

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

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