beverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'beverage' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a drink, usually a non-alcoholic one. For example, "I'm thirsty, so I'm going to get a refreshing beverage".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last year, the city issued a new rule that allowed the homeless to have only three belongings with them: a bedroll, backpack and beverage.

The Guardian

When Charlie alerts the flight attendant, she responds by covering the body with a blanket and offering him a free beverage.

The New York Times

In the beverage industry, New Belgium Brewing, Coca-Cola, Nestlé Waters and PepsiCo won praise.

The Guardian

Big brands, including Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, KFC, Kraft Foods and MillerCoors, are wasting billions of dollars worth of valuable materials because they sell food and drinks in subpar packaging, according to a comprehensive new report on packaging and recycling by the fast food, beverage, consumer goods and grocery industries.

The Guardian

In fact, a focus on individual behaviour provides cover for the tobacco, food, beverage, and alcohol industries as they expand into developing countries: they are uninterested in having their production and marketing of products curtailed through regulation or restrictions, nor the profits that wide consumption ensures.

The Guardian

Bangladesh's current plan acknowledges unfettered activity of food and beverage companies as a source of the problem, but its strategies are clearly about health promotion for lifestyle change and access to health care – both squarely reliant on individual behaviour.

The Guardian

Yet, remarkably, you can get this particular beverage from the tap, for free.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Millions of dollars are made by major beverage businesses in Nejapa, an expanding industrial area in El Salvador near where Najarro lives.

The Guardian

As reported in a Physical Review E paper, researchers with evidently too much time on their hands conducted an experimental study on beverage spillage, controlling for various walking speeds and initial liquid levels in the cup.

The Guardian

Related: What plastic can learn from steel in a circular economy In the beverage industry, Dr Pepper, Snapple Group, Diageo and Anheuser Busch were categorized as "Needs Improvement".

The Guardian

NRDC's Darby Hoover said food and beverage packaging is a "prime component of the plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways", and that companies have "an opportunity and an obligation" to curb it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal events or menus, using "beverage" adds a touch of sophistication compared to the more common "drink".

Common error

Avoid using "beverage" in casual conversation. Stick to "drink" or more specific terms like "soda" or "juice" for a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "beverage" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a liquid intended for drinking. Ludwig AI showcases this in examples such as "Big brands…sell food and drinks in subpar packaging, according to a comprehensive new report on packaging and recycling by the fast food, beverage, consumer goods and grocery industries."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "beverage" is a noun primarily used to refer to a liquid intended for drinking. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. Its function is generally to inform or describe a type of drink, often in more formal contexts such as the food and beverage industry. While the term is widely understood, it's more common in neutral to formal settings like news reports and business documents, as evidenced by sources like The Guardian and The Economist. For casual settings, "drink" is a more suitable alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drink

A simpler, more direct synonym for "beverage".

refreshment

Emphasizes the revitalizing quality of the drink.

liquid refreshment

More descriptive, specifying the form of the refreshment.

beverage choice

Highlights the act of selection or preference.

quencher

Focuses on the drink's ability to satisfy thirst.

concoction

Implies a mixture of ingredients, potentially unusual.

elixir

Highlights a drink's restorative or medicinal qualities.

potion

Suggests a drink with special or magical properties.

libation

A formal or celebratory term for a drink, often alcoholic.

imbibement

A somewhat archaic term for drinking or a drink.

FAQs

How can I use "beverage" in a sentence?

You can use "beverage" to refer to a drink, especially in formal contexts. For example, "The menu includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages".

What's the difference between "beverage" and "drink"?

"Beverage" is generally more formal than "drink". While both refer to liquids for consumption, "beverage" is often used in menus or formal writing, whereas "drink" is common in everyday speech.

What are some alternatives to the word "beverage"?

You can use alternatives like "drink", "refreshment", or "liquid refreshment" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hot beverage" instead of "hot drink"?

Yes, both are correct. "Hot beverage" is slightly more formal but perfectly acceptable. Examples include tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.