beverage

American  

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

noun

beverages plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• beverages
  plural

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

We hope you have a great evening, perhaps with your favorite beverage in hand.

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2026

Their findings indicate that these differences may influence food and beverage preferences and could help explain why certain sweetened products are especially appealing.

From Science Daily • Jun. 26, 2026

From the moment the referee blew his whistle to signal the hydration break, fans streamed to the counter for a beverage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

Soon, this liquid ferments into a tangy beverage with a touch of viscosity, somewhat like Mexico’s pulque.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

Everyone ignores me except for some Capitol attendant who appears behind me and offers me a beverage.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• drink
• liquor