libation
Americannoun
-
a pouring out of wine or other liquid in honor of a deity.
-
the liquid poured out.
-
Often Facetious.
-
an intoxicating beverage, as wine, especially when drunk in ceremonial or celebrative situations.
-
an act or instance of drinking such a beverage.
-
noun
-
-
the pouring out of wine, etc, in honour of a deity
-
the liquid so poured out
-
-
facetious an alcoholic drink
Other Word Forms
- libational adjective
- libationary adjective
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."
Vocabulary lists containing libation
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Joyous Kwanzaa! Vocabulary Worth Celebrating
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "J," "K," and "L"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We believe that a thoughtful libation sets the tone for the meal and it’s a Southern tradition to welcome guests with a cocktail.
From Salon • Aug. 12, 2024
A few soft drinks are the only libation.
From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2024
Airag, a lightly alcoholic beverage made from fermented horse milk, remains a popular libation in Mongolia.
From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2023
China’s first allotment of J-Harden Wines, the libation launched by NBA star guard James Harden, sold out in a matter of seconds in a livestream on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
From Washington Times • Aug. 17, 2023
Then, as they had no wine, they made libation with clear spring water, broiling the entrails first; and when the bones were burnt and tripes shared, they spitted the carved meat.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.