refreshment

[ri-fresh-muhnt]

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noun

something that refreshes, especially food or drink.

refreshments, articles or portions of food or drink, especially for a light meal.

the act of refreshing or the state of being refreshed.

Origin of refreshment

1350–1400; Middle English refresshement < Middle French refreschement. See refresh, -ment

Synonyms for refreshment

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR refreshment ON THESAURUS.COM

3. invigoration, rejuvenation, renewal.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for refreshments

snack, pick-me-up, bite, spread, tidbit

Examples from the Web for refreshments

Contemporary Examples of refreshments

Normally of good balance, I found myself reaching for the handrail, unable to clasp it for the refreshments in my hands.
San Fran Kisses Its 70,000-Person Toilet Goodbye
Jon Rochmis
August 15, 2014

Historical Examples of refreshments

While the others were still enjoying the refreshments she took the book and read.
Ester Ried Yet Speaking
Isabella Alden
A black jack of ale and the heel of a loaf at a wayside inn were all my refreshments.
Micah Clarke
Arthur Conan Doyle
Mr. Monday and Mr. Dodge were invited by signs to be seated, and refreshments were offered.
Homeward Bound
James Fenimore Cooper
What a commission from the restaurateur for supplying the refreshments!
Vivian Grey
Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
Ernstorff now brought in refreshments; and for a moment they ceased playing.
Vivian Grey
Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli

British Dictionary definitions for refreshments

refreshment

noun

the act of refreshing or the state of being refreshed

(plural) snacks and drinks served as a light meal

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for refreshments

refreshment

late 14c., "act or fact of refreshing," originally mental and spiritual, from Old French refreschement (Modern French rafraîchissement, from refreschier (see refresh). Refreshments, of food and drink only, from 1660s.