apéritif

[ah-per-i-teef, uh-per-, a-pey-ree-teef]

noun

plural

apéritifs 

1. a small drink of alcoholic liquor taken to stimulate the appetite before a meal.

2. Also called apéritif wine. a wine served as an appetizer or cocktail.

apéritif

/ ɑːˌpɛrɪˈtiːf, əˌpɛr- /

noun

1. an alcoholic drink, esp a wine, drunk before a meal to whet the appetite

Word History and Origins

Origin of apéritif¹

1890–95; < French ( vin ) apéritif; aperitive

Word History and Origins

Origin of apéritif¹

C19: from French, from Medieval Latin aperitīvus, from Latin aperīre to open

Example Sentences

After downing his aperitif, the farmer introduced himself to the convict.

From Salon

De Soi, a non-alcoholic aperitif made with natural adaptogens.

From Los Angeles Times

A hard cheese for grating — a little bit can go a long way, Buckwheat, whether flour for aperitif snacks, sprinkles of it simply toasted, mountain-style pasta or savory brunch crêpes.

From Salon

The popular lore goes that the Bicicletta, a classic Italian aperitif, was named after the wobbling mode of transportation used by older men after a spirited afternoon or evening.

From Seattle Times

Bitter-leaning, nonalcoholic sodas such as Sanbittèr, Stappi Red Bitter and Casamara Club Alta can scratch that aperitif itch.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• appetizer 
• drink 
• wine