libation

American  

[lahy-bey-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

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

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

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

When she was dying, wracked with her irruptions, in the slave quarters of that house in Canaan, this libation sat by her, untouched.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

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

The drink menu includes Indian wine and beer alongside plenty of Northwest-made libations.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 16, 2023

That's why Salon Food rounded up a list of the 15 best nonalcoholic libations for Dry January — and beyond.

From Salon ● Jan. 6, 2023

With my drawn blade I spaded up the votive pit, and poured libations round it to the unnumbered dead: sweet milk and honey, then sweet wine, and last clear water; and I scattered barley down.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer