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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like refreshment.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- refreshments
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").
Class of 1600
refreshment joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
