libation

American  

[lahy-bay-shuhn] / laɪˈbeɪ ʃən /

noun

• libations
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• libational
  adjective
• libationary
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• libations
  plural

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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

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Explanation

Certain ceremonies require dumping a little bit of liquid, usually alcohol, onto the ground. It might seem wasteful, but it’s really a powerful symbolic act called a libation — and it’s worth every drop. In ancient Greece, anyone could make a libation as a sacrifice in hopes that the gods would see it and be pleased. Today some people offer libations in memory of a loved one that has died. One sip for you, one for your homies, as the saying goes. Libation is also a joke term for an alcoholic drink, so you could make a cocktail and call it "a libation."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

libation libations

A cuneiform text attributed to King Tukultī-Ninurta II refers to a libation vessel that had originally been created by Tukultī-Ninurta I and was later restored by Aššur-uballit.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 26, 2026

A few soft drinks are the only libation.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2024

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 attending an event while sober used to be potential pressure or trigger for some, it's become incredibly simple to merely order a nonalcoholic beer or enjoy a spirit-free libation at many bars or restaurants.

From Salon ● Dec. 31, 2022

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

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi

Kierstead pointed to pre-theater and lobby libations as a potential culprit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

“This year, the Arizona Bowl is bringing sports, libations, and entertainment into a singular bowl game, and we are changing the definition of what a brand partnership is in the NCAA.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2024

Concertgoers at the Paramount Theater and attendees of the Northwest Folklife Festival, for example, can now order their libations in reusable polypropylene cups.

From Salon ● May 2, 2024

Some new research from a well known academic journal reveals that one typical ingredient in those libations could be on the way out.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 3, 2023

“No, you’re not,” Philbert says quietly, staring at the libations in front of me.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

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