apéritif

American  

[ah-per-i-teef, uh-per-, a-pey-ree-teef] / ɑˌpɛr ɪˈtif, əˌpɛr-, a peɪ riˈtif /

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.

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apéritif British  

/ ɑːˌpɛrɪˈtiːf, əˌpɛr- /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of apéritif

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

Example Sentences

The venue also has commercial sponsors, which help it stay afloat, and has even started hosting daytime concerts during “vermut,” the traditional pre-lunch apéritif hour.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2023

Try an apéritif base like Lillet instead of vodka or gin to mix refreshing summer drinks that are lighter on booze without sacrificing complexity.

From Salon • Jul. 1, 2021

Pastis is named for pastis, an anise-flavored apéritif usually mixed with water and ice before serving.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 13, 2019

With a perfume of white peaches and wild strawberries, it's gorgeous just on its own, as an apéritif, but save a bottle for the aioli too.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2015

We went out to the Café Napolitain to have an apéritif and watch the evening crowd on the Boulevard.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

Related Words

• appetizer
• drink
• wine