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

Pont Neuf Located at: L&L Market, 3820 Charlotte Ave. Enjoy French-style libations and build your own flower bouquet at Pont Neuf, a new cocktail bar from Amelia's Flowers owner Mattie Bush-Martin. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

With the holiday season only a few winks away, zero-proof libations will definitely be part of the hosting repertoire. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

Please nominate your own Texas libations at [e-mail]. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Watergate Hotel Experience a unique dining atmosphere at the Watergate Hotel’s cozy, private igloos with seasonal libations like ornament cocktails and specialty bites like fondue and poutine. —Taryn White, Forbes, 6 Dec. 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