# refreshment

/ɹəˈfɹɛʃmənt/ (US) · /ɹɪfɹˈɛʃmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refreshment
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. food and drink

noun · CEFR B1

small amounts of food and drink provided at a meeting, party, or during a journey.

For teachers: light snacks and beverages served at an event or during travel. Often used in the plural form.

- Light refreshments will be served in the lobby after the presentation.
- The conference organisers provided a variety of refreshments, including herbal teas and organic pastries, during the mid-morning break.

Usage: Commonly used in the plural form 'refreshments' when referring to food and drink.

### 2. restoring energy

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the feeling of getting your strength or energy back after being tired.

For teachers: the restoration of strength, spirit, or physical vigour after exertion or heat.

- The cool breeze provided a moment of refreshment after the long walk.
- The weary travellers sought refreshment in the mountain stream, finding the icy water revitalising after their arduous ascent.

Usage: In this abstract sense, the word is typically uncountable.

## Examples

- The hotel provides free refreshments in the lobby.
- After a long day of hiking, we stopped at a small café for some light refreshments.
- The conference organizers ensured that a variety of light refreshments were available throughout the afternoon to sustain the energy of the attendees.

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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.