libation

American  

[lahy-bey-shuhn] / laɪˈbeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a pouring out of wine or other liquid in honor of a deity.

2. the liquid poured out.

3. Often Facetious.

   1. an intoxicating beverage, as wine, especially when drunk in ceremonial or celebrative situations.

   2. an act or instance of drinking such a beverage.

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libation British  

/ laɪˈbeɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the pouring out of wine, etc, in honour of a deity

   2. the liquid so poured out

2. facetious an alcoholic drink

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Other Word Forms

• libational adjective
• libationary adjective

Etymology

Origin of libation

1350–1400; Middle English libacio ( u ) n < Latin lībātiōn- (stem of lībātiō ) a drink offering, equivalent to lībāt ( us ) (past participle of lībāre to pour; cognate with Greek leíbein ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

We believe that a thoughtful libation sets the tone for the meal and it’s a Southern tradition to welcome guests with a cocktail.

From Salon • Aug. 12, 2024

A few soft drinks are the only libation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2024

Airag, a lightly alcoholic beverage made from fermented horse milk, remains a popular libation in Mongolia.

From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2023

China’s first allotment of J-Harden Wines, the libation launched by NBA star guard James Harden, sold out in a matter of seconds in a livestream on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

From Washington Times • Aug. 17, 2023

I’m now only missing a potted plant for the libation.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi