aperitif

noun

aper·​i·​tif ə-ˌper-ə-ˈtēf How to pronounce aperitif (audio)
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 From a dirty dry martini to a classic Bloody Mary, their appeal as aperitifs and brunch buddies cannot be denied. Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 There’s a cozy salon for afternoon tea and aperitifs, as well as bedrooms decorated with floral wallpaper, sumptuous fabrics, and antiques. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2023 The cocktail menu was made in collaboration with Milwaukee mixologist Brandon Reyes through two of his companies: 1-800-Cocktails, a clothing line; and Heirloom Liqueurs, which makes unique liqueurs and aperitifs. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2024 Here, inventive mixologists serve up classic aperitifs and adventurous libations. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Jan. 2024 The fluffy dough has survived centuries, now a Provençal staple that’s part of every aperitif and often served as a main course with a green salad. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 5 Feb. 2024 Saveur suggests gin, not vodka, and omits the lemon juice in favor of Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 30 Jan. 2024 Americano, an Italian aperitif wine (optional) 2 bottles sparking wine Method of preparation: Combine all ingredients except wine in a punch bowl. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2024 Well, Ritual has shaved off that slight boozy edge off for their aperitif bottle. Scott Hocker, theweek, 14 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aperitif.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aperitif was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near aperitif

Cite this Entry

“Aperitif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperitif. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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