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 restaurant also has an impressive libations menu featuring a wide selection of Jarritos flavors, Mexican Coke, Mexican Pepsi, Orange Fanta, horchata and more. —Brock Keeling, Orange County Register, 1 Oct. 2024

The public is encouraged to visit these establishments to order these specialty libations. —Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Indulge your love for food and libations with a diverse selection of cooking and wine pairing classes. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

The Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City is serving new libations at its Halloween pop-up bar for the month of October. —Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 23 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