aperitif

noun

aper·i·tif ə-ˌper-ə-ˈtēf

a-;

ˌä-pər-(ə-)ˈtēf

Synonyms of aperitif next

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

To drink: an aperitif of anise-scented pastis, or a Suntory highball? —

Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025 Their Cabernet Franc dry rosé stands out among them; a delightfully crisp wine with a subtle body that makes for easy drinking as an aperitif or when paired with a variety of culinary flavors. —

Jillian Dara, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 These nonalcoholic spirits, from rum and gin alternatives to aperitifs, can be used to make mocktails and other fun drinks. —

Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 6 Jan. 2025 Two goals on the opening day at West Ham United were merely the aperitif for the goalscoring gluttony that followed. —

The Athletic Uk Football Writers, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aperitif

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