beverage
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbev.ər.ɪdʒ/US/ˈbev.ɚ.ɪdʒ/
A type of drink, typically excluding plain water, often prepared or sold as a refreshment; includes hot drinks like tea and coffee, cold drinks like soda and juice, and various alcoholic options.
Example Sentences
She ordered a cold beverage to accompany her salad on a hot summer afternoon.
Coffee and tea are popular breakfast beverages around the globe.
The café boasts an extensive beverage menu, offering everything from lattes to fruit smoothies.
On the flight, passengers were offered complimentary beverages, including sodas and juices.
A rising trend in health-conscious lifestyles has fueled demand for sugar-free and low-calorie beverages in recent years.
Local laws require an additional license to serve alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars.
Many tea enthusiasts consider black tea to be the quintessential morning beverage, citing its robust flavor and caffeine boost to start the day.
At the reception, an array of beverages lined the table—from artisanal coffees and fresh-pressed juices to craft cocktails—catering to a wide range of preferences.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Any prepared drink, such as water, tea, coffee, soda, or juice, consumed for thirst or pleasure.“Beverage” is most commonly a noun referring to a drink other than water alone, typically prepared or processed in some way. Examples include hot beverages (like coffee and tea), cold refreshments (like juice or soda), or alcoholic drinks (like wine or beer). In everyday life, you might encounter a variety of beverages—milk in the morning, tea at midday, and soft drinks or cocktails on social occasions. Business contexts (like restaurants) often list “Beverages” as a separate menu category for items other than entrées or desserts. Whether you say, “What beverage would you like?” in a formal tone or mention your “favorite beverage” in casual chat, the word emphasizes the act of drinking something with at least minimal preparation (as opposed to just plain water, though water can sometimes appear on beverage lists too). It underlines diversity in drink choices—anything from fancy lattes to fruit smoothies. While “beverage” can be used interchangeably with “drink,” it carries a slightly more formal, generic sense, fitting nicely in contexts where you want to emphasize multiple drink options or a polite offer to guests.
Alternatives
If you’d prefer not to repeat “beverage,” choose synonyms or related words depending on context. “Drink” is the simplest and most direct alternative, though it can be slightly less formal. “Refreshment” implies a sense of enjoyment or hospitality, often used in gatherings: “Refreshments will be served.” “Brew” can reference hot drinks like coffee, tea, or beers, but it’s narrower in scope. “Libation” is more poetic or humorous, often linked to ceremonial or alcoholic beverages. If you’re highlighting a variety (like juices, sodas, etc.), you might say “drinks menu” or “refreshment options.” Selecting the right term depends on whether you need casual or formal, broad or specific references: “drink” suits everyday talk; “refreshment” or “beverage” can feel more hospitable or commercial; and “libation” or “brew” give specialized or playful flair.
Writing
When writing about beverages, clarify the type, taste, and context to engage readers. If you’re crafting an enticing menu description, accentuate flavors or origins: “A refreshing iced tea brewed from select jasmine leaves.” In informational texts—like an article on nutrition—you might highlight content like caffeine levels, sugar, or temperature, e.g., “Caffeinated beverages should be consumed in moderation.” If a story scene involves people socializing, describing their beverages can set the mood or characterize them: “She nursed a steaming mug of herbal tea while he sipped black coffee, the bitterness matching his somber mood.” Whether you focus on cultural significance, culinary pairing, or personal preference, specifying how the beverage is prepared and served enriches the writing. For a more formal or academic style, you could discuss categories (e.g., alcoholic vs. non-alcoholic) or global consumption trends. In short, “beverage” in writing can be functional (listing items) or descriptive (painting flavor, atmosphere, or social ritual). By focusing on details—taste notes, cultural roots, or intended audience—your piece resonates with readers’ senses and experiences.
Casual Conversation
Day to day, you’d probably use “drink” more than “beverage,” though “beverage” is easy enough to slip in if you want to sound a bit more polite or broad. You might say, “We have a few beverages in the fridge—help yourself,” especially if offering multiple choices like soda, juice, or bottled tea. If you’re hosting a get-together, you could mention, “Bring your own beverage,” letting guests pick their favorites, from beer to sparkling water. People sometimes talk about “beverage breaks” at conferences or parties, meaning just about any refreshment time. If you’re joking with friends, calling something your “favorite beverage” can sound slightly more formal or playful, like “Green tea’s definitely my go-to beverage in the morning.” In casual scenarios, it’s an easy way to refer collectively to all possible drinks without specifying one kind or brand. Overall, though, “drink” remains the simpler, more direct version, while “beverage” can show a small bump in formality or variety of offerings.
Etymology
“Beverage” springs from Middle English “bevrage,” influenced by Old French “bevrage,” tracing to “beivre” (to drink) in Old French (itself related to Latin “bibere”). The root concept has always centered around consuming liquids beyond plain water. Historically, the term broadened as societies brewed, blended, and served increasingly diverse liquid concoctions, from herbal teas to fermented ale. With time, “beverage” became the standard category term for any prepared or flavored drink suitable for social, culinary, or commercial contexts. This evolution parallels the rise of coffeehouses, tea culture, and modern soft drink industries, each shifting the definition’s bounds—now any potable liquid with flavor, preparation, or added ingredients can be labeled a “beverage.” Despite subtle changes in social usage and technology, the essence remains: “beverage” signifies something you drink, typically more than plain water, enjoyed for taste, refreshment, or functional effect (like caffeine or celebration).
