aperitif

noun

aper·​i·​tif ə-ˌper-ə-ˈtēf 

a-;

ˌä-pər-(ə-)ˈtēf

: an alcoholic drink taken before a meal as an appetizer

Examples of aperitif in a Sentence

They served us champagne as an aperitif.

Recent Examples on the Web

Far more satisfying was this open-air aperitif with new friends, watching the sky turn lurid shades of pink and orange. —Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024

Many of the original aperitifs—like the La Louisiane and Vieux Carré—were invented here, along with several other ingredients that have become bar staples. —Janice Williams, Essence, 17 June 2024

The unique wine is ideal served as an aperitif or with soft cheese. —Irenie Forshaw, The Week Uk, theweek, 3 June 2024

Diners arrive promptly for an aperitif, before a series of canapés (Isle of Mull cheddar tart, venison chorizo with horseradish) start the evening. —Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French apéritif, from apéritif, adjective, "aperient, stimulating appetite," going back to Old French aperitif "aperient," borrowed from Medieval Latin aperitīvus, variant of Late Latin apertīvus, from Latin apertus, past participle of aperīre "to open" + -īvus -ive — more at aperient

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above