Yes, water is considered a beverage as it is a liquid consumed for hydration and refreshment.
The simple answer is yes – water is absolutely considered a beverage. While some dictionaries provide narrow definitions that exclude water, common usage and most authoritative sources confirm water’s status as the world’s most essential beverage. Let’s explore why this matters and how water compares to other drinks.
The Official Definition of Beverage
According to Merriam-Webster, a beverage is simply “a drinkable liquid.” This broad definition clearly includes water. The Oxford Dictionary provides a more restrictive definition: “any type of drink except water.” However, this exclusion contradicts how most people actually use the term in daily life.
Why Some Exclude Water
Those who argue water isn’t a beverage typically cite these reasons:
- Water has many non-drinking uses (cleaning, cooking, etc.)
- It’s a basic necessity rather than a choice drink
- Some dictionary definitions specifically exclude it
Why Most Include Water
The stronger arguments favor including water as a beverage:
- When ordering at restaurants, water is always listed under “beverages”
- Nutritional guidelines classify water as a beverage
- Most people instinctively consider it one
- Alternative definitions would exclude other clear beverages like broth
Water vs. Other Beverages
While all beverages provide hydration, water stands apart in several key ways:
| Beverage | Calories | Added Sugars | Essential Nutrients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 0 | 0g | None |
| Dragon Fruit Juice | 80-120 | 15-25g | Vitamin C, Antioxidants |
| Milk | 120-150 | 12g (lactose) | Calcium, Vitamin D |
Health Benefits of Choosing Water
Water provides unique advantages over other beverages:
- Zero calories aids in weight management
- No additives or preservatives
- Essential for all bodily functions
- Helps regulate body temperature
- Improves cognitive performance
Practical Implications
How we classify water affects real-world situations:
Menu Design
Restaurants universally list water under beverage sections. As noted in The Huffington Post, water has surpassed soda as America’s most consumed beverage.
Nutrition Guidelines
The USDA’s dietary recommendations include water as a primary beverage choice. Their MyPlate graphic shows water as the ideal accompaniment to meals.
Linguistic Usage
Common phrases like “beverage of choice” frequently refer to water. As one StackExchange discussion noted, native English speakers overwhelmingly consider water a beverage in everyday speech.
Making Healthy Beverage Choices
While water is clearly a beverage, it’s important to consider your full drink selection:
When to Choose Water
- For everyday hydration needs
- When trying to reduce calorie intake
- As a base for infused flavors (lemon, cucumber, etc.)
When Other Beverages Make Sense
- Mixed drinks for social occasions
- Milk for growing children
- 100% juices in moderation for nutrient variety
The key is balance – while water should be your primary beverage, other drinks can play supporting roles in a healthy diet. Understanding that water is indeed a beverage helps reinforce its importance in our daily consumption habits.
