beverage

American  

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

noun

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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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

"If we do not reach an agreement, my colleagues and I are ready to strike," Martinez added, speaking on behalf of a workforce composed largely of food and beverage concession staff.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

I posed that question to Allison Ellsworth, the co-founder of beverage company Poppi, in the latest episode of The WSJ Money Interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Capitalists figure out how to thrive under Trump, Gamestop makes a bid for Ebay, and McDonalds jumps on the fancy beverage trend.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

While other companies have called out pressures on discretionary spending, food and beverage was one of Block’s strongest verticals in the first quarter, Ahuja said.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

I walked her around while my mother refilled her beverage.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Related Words

• drink
• liquor