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

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

From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2023

As noted, this libation landed a gold medal at the inaugural High Spirits Awards, as did another flavor in the Fable stable; a blend of hibiscus, ginger and mint called Night Flight.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2023

The festival is held in beautiful Esther Short Park and you can sip your libation of choice while listening to live music from the likes of Quiet Riot and Great White.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2023

While the drink may veer into a bit of a sweet realm, it would certainly make a bright and festive libation to enjoy over the holidays.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2022

Jason took in his hands a golden goblet and, pouring a libation of wine into the sea, called upon Zeus whose lance is the lightning to speed them on their way.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton