libation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "libation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a deity or spirit, often in religious or ceremonial contexts. Example: "During the ceremony, the priest performed a libation to honor the ancestors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tourists now visit Dawson City specifically to go toe-to-toe with this challenging libation, much as Captain Dick anticipated.

The Guardian - Travel

Blanched leafy greens are transformed by a libation of sizzling oil over slivers of ginger and spring onion, and a dash of good soy sauce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The procession through the dusty streets of Nyanyano, near the capital, Accra, lasted hours, stopping periodically for a libation of schnapps to be splashed over the coffin.

The Economist

Beer remains the favoured libation, though the percentage of wine-drinkers has increased since Mr Obama took office.

The Economist

Vessels, such as libation cups with applied prunus sprigs, were copied by European factories in the 18th century, notably by those at Meissen; Chelsea and Bow, Eng.; and Saint-Cloud, France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Along with libation and the sacrificial effusion of blood, one of the commonest means of making an oblation available to sacred beings is to burn it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the individual objects used in funeral rites include situlae, Roman and Egyptian bronze libation jars with a handle on the tops; Indian Brahmanic terra-cotta jars with perforated bases, which are broken after their use in the aqueous purification of the pyre; and cages containing birds (Buddhist Japan), sometimes eagles (ancient Rome), released near the tomb after burial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other observances, recorded in the Mishna tractate Sukka, include the daily recitation of Hallel, daily circumambulation of the Temple altar, a daily water libation ceremony, and the nightly bet ha-shoʾeva or bet ha-sheʾuvah ("place of water drawing") festivities starting on the evening preceding the second day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Asase Yaa is of paramount importance to the Akan because it is through her, by way of libation and dance, that they gain access to and maintain familial connections with their ancestors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During ayie (funeral rites), libation is poured specifically to Asase Yaa not only to ask her permission for digging the grave but also to ask her to accept and protect the body of the person to be buried.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Akan believe that everyone has the ability to show her reverence, whether through libation or simply by keeping the earth clean, and that her abundance is accessible to all.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "libation" when referring to a formal or ceremonial pouring of liquid, especially in historical, religious, or literary contexts, to add a touch of gravitas or tradition to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "libation" as a simple synonym for 'drink' in everyday contexts. It carries a connotation of ritual or offering, so its use in casual scenarios can sound overly formal or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The word "libation" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to the act of pouring out a liquid offering or the liquid itself. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both religious and more general contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, where it denotes an offering or a beverage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "libation" is primarily used as a noun, referring either to the act of pouring out a liquid offering or to the liquid itself, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While traditionally associated with religious or ceremonial practices, it can also describe the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a more general sense, although its usage is more formal. Examples from Ludwig highlight its application across diverse sources, including News & Media and Encyclopedias, reinforcing its appropriateness in varied writing contexts. To avoid misuse, remember that "libation" carries a connotation of ritual or offering, so it may sound out of place in casual scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offering

Focuses on the act of presenting something as a gift or sacrifice.

drink

A general term for something to be consumed as a beverage.

beverage

A more formal term for a drink.

potation

Refers specifically to the act of drinking; a less common word.

toast

An expression of goodwill or honor, often involving a drink.

cup

Something intended to be drunk.

draft

Implies a large quantity of liquid is being consumed.

refreshment

Something to restore energy or vigor, often a drink.

imbibement

A formal term for drinking.

quencher

Something that satisfies thirst.

FAQs

How to use "libation" in a sentence?

You can use "libation" to describe the act of pouring a liquid offering, as in, "The priest performed a "libation" to the gods". It can also refer to the liquid itself, such as, "The wine served as a "libation" in the ceremony".

What can I say instead of "libation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "offering" if referring to a religious ritual, or "drink" or "beverage" in a more general sense.

Is "libation" only used in religious contexts?

While "libation" is often associated with religious or ceremonial contexts, it can also be used more broadly to describe any drink, particularly an alcoholic one, enjoyed in a celebratory or social setting. However, be mindful of its formal and somewhat archaic tone.

What's the difference between "libation" and "offering"?

"Offering" is a more general term for anything given as a gift or sacrifice. "Libation" specifically refers to a liquid poured out as an offering, often to a deity or spirit. Therefore, all libations are offerings, but not all offerings are libations.