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toast

TOHST /toʊst/

nounverbA2

neutral

An act of proposing a drink in honor of a person, event, or sentiment; or to drink to someone's health.

Combines a spoken tribute with the ceremonial raising or clinking of glasses among gathered friends.

The story behind the word. In 17th-century England, people dropped bits of spiced, toasted bread into wine or ale mugs to improve flavor and absorb acidity. The honored person whose health was proposed became known as the 'toast' because their presence spiced up the party like the toast in the cup.

Word relationships

tribute: A tribute is any expression of respect or praise, whereas a toast specifically involves raising a drink.
salute: A salute is a formal sign of respect, while a toast is warm, social, and accompanied by beverage.

Commonly confused with

roast: A roast is a celebratory event where someone is good-naturedly mocked, whereas a toast is purely honoring and complementary.

Word family

toaster (noun): A person who proposes a toast (or the appliance for heating bread).

Collocations

propose a toast
raise a toast
drink a toast
midnight toast

Idioms & expressions

the toast of the town

Example sentences

"The host raised his glass to offer a warm midnight toast to health and future happiness." Formal Event
"We gathered around the fire to toast the coming year and honor lost friends." Memoir

Memory hook

Warm toast dropped into a warm cup when raising a glass. Raising a glass to honor someone.

When not to use

Do not confuse with plain drinking; a toast requires a dedicated tribute or shared wish before drinking.

Fun facts

The idiom 'toast of the town' comes directly from this custom, referring to a fashionable person everyone wished to drink to.