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

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

And don’t forget a non-alcoholic option that’s easy to reach for if any guests would prefer those types of libations. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 2024

If President-elect Donald Trump follows through with proposals to impose a 25% tariff on all items from Canada and Mexico, the result would be a stiff penalty on some of America’s favorite libations, not to mention the No. 1 beer brand in the nation: Modelo. —Alicia Wallace, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024

Its menu is evenly split between classic libations and specialty cocktails. —Katie Jackson, Robb Report, 28 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