aperitif

noun

aper·​i·​tif ə-ˌper-ə-ˈtēf How to pronounce aperitif (audio)
a-;
ˌä-pər-(ə-)ˈtēf
Synonyms of aperitifnext
: 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 restaurant also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and Italian-style aperitif cocktails and more. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2024 For makers of cognac, vodka and aperitifs, however, the outlook isn’t as rosy. —Chloé Meley, Fortune Europe, 8 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aperitif 

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

aperiodic

aperitif

apert

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Aperitif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperitif. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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