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
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.
Weingut Robert Weil Riesling Sekt Brut, Rheingau Dalton recommends starting with this sparkling Riesling as an aperitif while gathering and setting the atmosphere. Jillian Dara, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 What to order: Jardin Rouge — Ketel One, Cap Corse Blanc aperitif, Campari tomato, pink peppercorn, white balsamic, French parsley and onion brine. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024 Their signature smooth and strong variation on the famous James Bond cocktail shakes Jin Jiji India dry gin with Ketel One vodka and Cocchi Americano aperitif wine, garnished with a precise lemon twist. Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 7 Oct. 2024 Guests retired for aperitifs at the Hotel Meurice apartment of Dorothy Thompson, the Herald Tribune columnist and NBC radio correspondent. Sam Roberts, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2015 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

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 4 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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