What does libation mean?
A libation is a drink poured out as an offering, especially in a religious or ceremonial act. The tradition commonly involved wine, though other beverages or liquids could be used, and the act symbolized a gift or sacrifice to a deity. In modern English, “libation” is also used more broadly and figuratively for a drink shared in celebration, commemoration, or companionship, often with a deliberately literary or humorous tone. The word’s associations with ritual and ceremony make it especially useful when describing an act of reverence, hospitality, or commemoration rather than ordinary drinking. Its unusual history also gives it a memorable place in discussions of religious vocabulary, classical tradition, and poetic English.
nounA drink, typically wine or another beverage, poured out as an offering to a deity or deity, especially in a religious or ceremonial ritual. By extension, the word can refer to the act of pouring such an offering or, in literary use, to a drink shared in celebration or commemoration.
- A drink, especially wine, poured out as a religious or ceremonial offering.
- The act of pouring a drink or other liquid as an offering.
- A drink offered in celebration, commemoration, or shared among participants, especially in literary or ceremonial contexts.
"The priest poured a libation of wine onto the altar as the ceremony began."
"A libation of wine was poured out for the spirits."
"The gathered friends raised a libation to their departed companion."
The usual plural form of the noun.
"They offered libations of wine to the gods."
A libation is more than a drink: it is a beverage poured as an offering, carrying the ritual meaning of sacrifice and devotion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libation come from?
“Libation” comes through Medieval Latin from Latin libātiō, a noun meaning a drink or offering poured in sacrifice. The Latin verb libāre referred to making such an offering, especially by pouring or sprinkling liquid. The word entered English in religious and learned contexts and later acquired broader literary uses. “Libate” and “libatory” are rarer English derivatives from the same Latin root.
How libation is actually used
The word is chiefly literary, ceremonial, or ritual in modern English. It often has an elevated or archaic tone, although humorous modern uses are common. When referring simply to a celebratory drink, the word may sound poetic rather than neutral.
Easily confused with libation
A libation is a ceremonial drink or offering, whereas levitation is the act of rising or being raised into the air.