1. a preliminary tasting or sampling, especially of wine or food before a meal
Usage: formal; rare
2. a drink offering or libation made before a main ceremony or ritual
Usage: archaic; religious

Examples

• The sommelier offered a prelibation of the vintage wine to the guests.
• Before the feast began, there was a brief prelibation of the ceremonial wine.
• The chef provided a prelibation of the evening’s special dishes.
• Ancient rituals often included a prelibation before the main sacrifice.
• The wine tasting began with a prelibation of the house’s finest selection.