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 oranges are paired with the Italian aperitif Aperol, along with prosecco and a bit of mint for a sip that is sure to satisfy. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

Be sure to pop into the colorful bar for an aperitif or nightcap during your stay. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Bitter foods have long been used in traditional eating patterns (think aperitifs or bitter greens before meals) to stimulate digestion. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026

Locals and visitors alike still flock to its quayside terrace for an aperitif served with a side of people watching, just like Jean Cocteau, who lived in room 22, and his friends once did. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 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