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
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.
Know which drink to order at what time Drinking is also quite codified; with meals wine is the most common, but vermouth is often enjoyed as an aperitif before dining. — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 To my mind, champagne is more or less an everyday beverage, the perfect aperitif. — Jay McInerney, Air Mail, 25 July 2026 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 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

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aperitif was in 1885

Rhymes for aperitif

See All Rhymes for aperitif

Browse Nearby Words

aperiodic
aperitif
apert
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aperitif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperitif. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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