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

Made using the simple three-two-one ratio of prosecco, aperitif and soda water, the Italian cocktail is remarkably straightforward to replicate at home. —Irenie Forshaw, theweek, 15 July 2024

Courtesy Dan Perez Both tart and sweet, these pomegranate sumac margaritas make a perfect aperitif. —Betsy Blumenthal, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2023

Always, someone was standing sentinel at the bar, ready to serve a cafe au lait or an aperitif. —Vogue, 8 July 2024

The Park Road establishment features eight to 10 courses that highlight seasonal fare, as well as craft cocktails, aperitifs and digestifs. —Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 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