# beverage

/ˈbɛvɝɪdʒ/ (US) · /bˈɛvəɹɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beverage
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a drink

noun · CEFR B1 · Formal

any type of drink, such as juice, coffee, or beer.

For teachers: any liquid intended for human consumption, typically excluding plain water in commercial contexts.

- The flight attendant asked if I would like a hot or cold beverage.
- The restaurant's menu features an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including several locally sourced craft sodas.

Usage: Often used in plural form when referring to a list of options.

Teaching tip: This word is much more formal than 'drink'. It is common on menus, signs, and in business contexts, but sounds unnatural in casual conversation at home.

## Examples

- The waiter asked if we wanted a cold beverage.
- The airline provides a complimentary beverage service shortly after the plane reaches its cruising altitude.
- While the menu offered an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages, the host ensured that several sophisticated non-alcoholic options were also available for the guests.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.