libation

[ lahy-bey-shuhn ]

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.

libation

/ 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

Derived Forms

• liˈbational, adjective

Other Words From

• li·bation·al li·bation·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of libation¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of libation¹

C14: from Latin lībātiō, from lībāre to pour an offering of drink

Example Sentences

Slopeside hot tubs and sunny decks beckon for après libations and fantastic people watching.

From Outside Online

The distillery’s website also lists a number of recipes that use the libation as a substitute in desserts like bread pudding and pound cake, both of which sound absolutely incredible.

From Eater

Meanwhile, two magnetic tumblers slide over to the top and bottom, providing a clever and sophisticated way for you and your traveling partner to share libations.

From Outside Online

Once you learn how to steep the plants and extract their characteristic tastes and aromas, you can make a myriad of delicious libations.

From Popular-Science

Or, if you just want a few sips for the trip, VSSL has a flask-light, which works as a regular flashlight, but stashes two collapsible shot glasses, a bottle opener, and nine ounces of libations in the long battery stem.

From Popular-Science

If liquor and dessert are equally essential to you enjoying the holiday, at least choose your libation wisely.

From The Daily Beast

Boobie Trap in Bushwick is another example lighthearted, libation-fueled fun with breasts.

From The Daily Beast

A libation that would not weigh our hero down, but could take flight right alongside the Green Lantern himself.

From The Daily Beast

Los Angeles-based mixologist Jason Robey crafts an out-of-this-world libation to enjoy with this weekend's sci-flick 'Super 8'.

From The Daily Beast

MAPLE LEAF COCKTAIL This springtime libation is a delicious variation on the classic Whiskey Sour.

From The Daily Beast

No one wears a garland when sacrificing, or burning incense, or pouring out a libation.

From Project Gutenberg

One of these was in the form of a man pouring from a cup a libation to the gods.

From Project Gutenberg

May the swift-moving universal Gods, the shedders of rain, come to the libation, as the solar rays come 'diligently' to the days!

From Project Gutenberg

After a stiff libation of brandy and soda we stole softly downstairs and found ourselves in front of the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Electra says when she pours a libation: "This drink has penetrated the earth; my father has received it" (Choephorœ, 162).

From Project Gutenberg