beverage
BEV-er-ij
/ˈbev.ər.ɪdʒ/
A drink of any type, excluding plain water.
Slightly formal or commercial word for drinks collectively, frequently seen on menus and business documentation.
The story behind the word. Traces directly to Latin bibere (to drink) through Old French bevrage. Entered Middle English around the 13th century to mean any drinkable liquid, gradually taking on a commercial and menu-oriented tone.
Word relationships
- drink: Drink is casual and general; beverage is slightly formal and broad.
- refreshment: Refreshment can include light snack food as well as liquids.
Commonly confused with
- beaver: A semi-aquatic rodent, entirely unrelated to drinks.
Word family
- beverages (noun): Plural form of beverage.
Collocations
- hot beverage
- alcoholic beverage
- beverage menu
- food and beverage
Example sentences
- "The hotel offered a complimentary cold beverage upon guest registration." Hospitality management
- "Food and beverage costs were carefully analyzed by the management team." Commercial menu
Memory hook
BEVERage comes from Latin BIBERE — sounds like BEBER in Spanish (to drink). Formal word for any drink.
When not to use
Do not usually refer to plain tap water as a beverage in casual conversation.
Fun facts
- In industry terminology, 'F&B' stands for Food and Beverage.
Explore more words
refreshments, brew, potable, libation, provisions, hydration
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