What does potation mean?
A potation is a drink, especially an alcoholic one. The word has a formal, old-fashioned, and sometimes humorous tone, so it often lends colour to descriptions of taverns, feasts, or unusual beverages: a strong drink might be called a potent potation, while a refreshing drink after a journey might be described as welcome. In older writing, potation can also mean the act of drinking, and it may denote a medicinal or magical draught. Although it resembles the familiar word potion, potation is not limited to magic or medicine. Its archaic atmosphere comes from its Latin ancestry and its long history in English. In contemporary use, it is more likely to appear in literary fiction, historical settings, or deliberately elevated speech than in ordinary conversation.
nounA drink, especially an alcoholic one. In archaic or literary use, it can also refer to the act of drinking.
- A drink, especially an alcoholic drink.
- The act of drinking.
- A medicine or magical draught, especially in archaic or literary contexts.
"After the long journey, he welcomed a cool potation by the fire."
"The tavern keeper offered each traveller a hot, fragrant potation."
"The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial potation shared by the assembled elders."
Plural is occasionally used, especially in literary descriptions of multiple drinks or a shared drink.
"They raised their potations to toast the occasion."
A potation sounds like a potion, but it means simply a drink—and often a welcome one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does potation come from?
The English word comes through Old French potation from Latin potatio, a noun meaning “the act of drinking” or “a drink.” Latin potatio was derived from potare, “to drink.” The same root also produced English potable, referring to something fit or suitable for drinking, and potion, which came through Old French with the sense of a medicinal or magical drink.
Related word forms
How potation is actually used
The word is literary, archaic, or humorous in modern usage. It commonly suggests an alcoholic drink but can refer to any beverage; archaic texts may use it more broadly for drinking or a medicinal draught.