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

The brand takes its cues from French aperitif culture, blending culinary botanicals with adaptogens meant to add a functional element to social drinking. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Celebrities with reach and personal reasons for going alcohol-free are now designing sparkling aperitifs, functional tonics, craft beers, wines and mixers built to sit comfortably next to anything a bartender pours. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Bitter aperitifs also have enough presence to remain recognizable. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The journey starts with aperitifs at Hotel Monte Rosa, the oldest hotel in Zermatt. — Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

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

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aperitif

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