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

With a base of white wine made in New York’s Finger Lakes region, this brand new, very pretty aperitif brimming with tropical botanicals is the season’s must-have spritz-maker.

From The Wall Street Journal

For example, as an aperitif I’d serve a Crémant from France, a Prosecco from Italy or a Cava from Spain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even Nike, known for its bold and chunky exhortations to “Just Do It,” has started playing with more delicate, serif lettering, as have Pepsi, the nonalcohol aperitif company Ghia and sunglasses maker Oakley.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• appetizer
• drink
• wine