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
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.
Their fourth and latest album, "Libation" is an offering for "the blessings that our music has brought us".
From Reuters • Jul. 29, 2014
Others shivered, in thin dresses or T-shirts, prepared for the heat inside packed nightclubs with names like Viktor and Spoils, Hotel Chantelle and Libation.
From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2012
Location, Libation, Libation A tale of two quintessential Argentine beverages: wine and yerba mate.
From Slate • Sep. 10, 2012
His son, named Theoclymenus, was he Who now approach’d; he found Telemachus Libation off’ring in his bark, and pray’r, And in wing’d accents ardent him address’d.
From The Odyssey of Homer by Cowper, William
Libation made, and all with wine sufficed, Godlike Telemachus and Pallas both Would have return’d, incontinent, on board, But Nestor urged them still to be his guests.
From The Odyssey of Homer by Cowper, William
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.
