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

In the December quarter of 2025, sales volume for PepsiCo’s North American food business was down 1% from a year ago, while the beverage unit sold 4% fewer units.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

McDonald’s has said it wants a larger piece of the more than $100 billion global beverage market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Venues keep the food and beverage sales, while RummiKlubLA gets the ticket revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

McDonald’s has said it wants to take a larger piece of the more than $100 billion global beverage market.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Maybe I still had the balls/haiku expression on my face, so I guess Joey thought I didn’t trust his evening beverage selection.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith

Related Words

• drink
• liquor