beverage

American  

[bev-er-ij, bev-rij] / ˈbɛv ər ɪdʒ, ˈbɛv rɪdʒ /

noun

1. any potable liquid, especially one other than water, as tea, coffee, beer, or milk.

   The price of the meal includes a beverage.

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beverage British  

/ ˈbɛvərɪdʒ, ˈbɛvrɪdʒ /

noun

1. any drink, usually other than water

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Etymology

Origin of beverage

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French beverage, bevarage, equivalent to be ( i ) vre to drink + -age -age

Explanation

A beverage is any type of drink. It's something you might offer a guest in your house; it's also the favorite moniker of companies that manufacture both soda and juice — they call themselves beverage companies. One of the most popular beverages in history is Coca-Cola, developed in 1886. Initially, Coke was called a brain tonic for intellectuals. Ingredients of the original recipe included coca leaves and cola nuts, and until 1909 contained small amounts of cocaine. Today, the Coca Cola company markets hundreds of beverages including soft drinks, juices, and sports drinks.

Example Sentences

The food and beverage company logged higher profit and revenue in the latest quarter, as steps to turn around its snacks business are starting to bear fruit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

In the December quarter of 2025, sales volume for PepsiCo’s North American food business was down 1% from a year ago, while the beverage unit sold 4% fewer units.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Taco Bell added Mountain Dew Baja Blast dirty sodas and Tropicana Original dirty lemonades to its permanent menu in March, part of the chain’s effort to build a $5 billion beverage business by 2030.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

McDonald’s has been preparing for the beverage push for several years.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

I walked her around while my mother refilled her beverage.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Related Words

• drink
• liquor