libation Definition
- 1a drink poured out as an offering to a deity
- 2an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice
- 3a drink poured out in honor of a dead person
Using libation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "libation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The priest poured a libation of wine on the altar.
Example
The ancient Greeks used to pour libations of wine to honor their gods.
Example
They offered a libation of milk and honey to the spirits of their ancestors.
libation Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with libation
pour libations
to offer a drink as a sacrifice or in honor of someone or something
Example
The family gathered to pour libations for their deceased loved one.
libation bearers
women who pour libations at a grave or tomb
Example
In ancient Greek mythology, the libation bearers were often depicted as mourning women who poured offerings at the graves of their loved ones.
offer libations
to pour out a drink as an offering or sacrifice
Example
The priest offered libations of wine and oil to the gods.
Origins of libation
from Latin 'libatio', meaning 'a drink offering'
Summary: libation in Brief
The term 'libation' [laɪˈbeɪʃən] refers to a drink poured out as an offering to a deity, an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice, or a drink poured out in honor of a dead person. It is often used in religious or ceremonial contexts, such as 'The priest poured a libation of wine on the altar.' 'Libation' can also be used as a verb, as in 'pour libations,' meaning to offer a drink as a sacrifice or in honor of someone or something.
