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

Here are a few items to watch: Amending the boundaries of the downtown outdoor refreshment map to include a new wine bar, Ozark Charcuterie, on East Mountain Street. —Alex Golden, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025

This would seem wiser than not having any refreshments. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Modern conveniences include air-conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a complimentary smartphone (with data included), a stocked refreshment trunk, and an Illy espresso machine. —Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024

During the event, Gates pulled down a face mask while enjoying refreshments, which helped investigators place him there, police testified. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

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