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

Linking the two spaces is the intimate but opulent Maison Barnes Bar & Lounge that encourages sipping on aperitifs or cocktails, chatting, cuddling and lingering. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Up top, the rooftop terrace overlooks a quiet garden and offers ample space for breakfast, reading, or a sunset aperitif. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 9 Aug. 2025

This Farm Rio midi dress fits perfectly into the Cannes fashion scene, with its slightly more elegant appearance for enjoying an aperitif while watching the sun set by the water. —Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025

Estonians come here to soak up the brief but brilliant summer season, and the town’s rhythm is set to a leisurely pace: morning sauna, mid-day swim, afternoon aperitif. —Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 1 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for aperitif

• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef
• reif
• seif
• sheaf
• thief