libation

noun

li·​ba·​tion lī-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce libation (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of libation in a Sentence

They offered libations at the temple. We met for a libation after work.
Recent Examples on the Web Shamrock Sour At 1791 Whiskey Bar at The George Hotel, an Irish-Whiskey libation with citrus notes and a minty finish. Aly Walansky, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 This place is known for its potent mai tais on draft, but there's a range of tropical libations to pick from. Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2024 Refuel with dinner and libations at Shine, which boasts Shine Slushies among its adult beverage options. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Fairyland invites adults for an Alice in Wonderland immersive experience filled with fantasy, dance, games, live entertainment and special libations including the March Hare’s Madness cocktail. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 The soirée featured a personalized touch with a signature Tres ’73 cocktail, adding flair to the evening’s libations. Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 9 Feb. 2024 The menu features coffees, libations, sandwiches, salads and breakfast items, while the overall space holds pet retail, a retail wall of wine (complete with a sliding ladder), knick knacks and succulents for sale in handcrafted pots, and grocery items like honeys, sauces, and jams. Katie Toussaint, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Light bites and Ketel One libations inspired by the MACRO/eOnefilm. 3:00pm-3:45pm Freaky Tales. Okla Jones, Essence, 19 Jan. 2024 Perhaps conscious drinkers are looking to cut down on sugary libations? Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'libation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of libation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near libation

Cite this Entry

“Libation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

libation

noun
li·​ba·​tion lī-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce libation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on libation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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