noun

refreshment

rih-FREHSH-muhnt

Refreshment (noun) means food or drink taken to restore energy, especially a light snack. Example: “Refreshments were served during the intermission.”

noun

Food or drink taken to restore energy, especially a light snack.

"Refreshments were served during the intermission."

"There's a table of refreshments at the back of the hall."

The act or feeling of being restored in energy or spirits.

"A short nap gave her real refreshment before the evening shift."

How to Use Refreshment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually used for snacks and drinks laid out at an event, or more generally for anything that restores your energy.

Common pairings

light refreshments refreshments provided stop for refreshment

Word Forms

refreshments plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “refreshment” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ were served during the intermission.

Etymology

Recorded in English since the 1600s, from Old French refrescher, "to refresh," ultimately from re- plus fresche ("fresh").

Origin: Old French · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 refreshment joined the language around 1600.

abigail accommodation Amish Baroque beau

See the full Class of 1600 →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “refreshment” mean?

The word “refreshment” means food or drink taken to restore energy, especially a light snack. In plain terms, usually used for snacks and drinks laid out at an event, or more generally for anything that restores your energy.

How do you pronounce “refreshment”?

“Refreshment” is pronounced rih-FREHSH-muhnt (/ɹɪˈfɹɛʃ.mənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “refreshment” in a sentence?

Here is “refreshment” used in a sentence: “Refreshments were served during the intermission.”

What part of speech is “refreshment”?

“Refreshment” is a noun.

Where does the word “refreshment” come from?

The word “refreshment” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Old French. Recorded in English since the 1600s, from Old French refrescher, "to refresh," ultimately from re- plus fresche ("fresh").

How many meanings does “refreshment” have?

“Refreshment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: food or drink taken to restore energy, especially a light snack.