Word
beverage
Phoneticsbev·er·age, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɛvɝɪdʒ/
UK/bˈɛvəɹɪdʒ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. any type of drink, such as juice, coffee, or beer.
n. any liquid intended for human consumption, typically excluding plain water in commercial contexts.
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.”
Examples
simple
“The waiter asked if we wanted a cold beverage.”
contextual
“The airline provides a complimentary beverage service shortly after the plane reaches its cruising altitude.”
complex
“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.”
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.
Etymology
From Middle English beverage, from Old French beverage, variant of bevrage, from beivre (“to drink”), variant of boivre (“to drink”), from Latin bibō. Related to imbibe.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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- Formal
QR code
englishreference.com/q/beverage