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DictionaryaperitifBefore-meal drink
noun

aperitif

uh-pair-uh-TEEF/əˌperəˈtiːf/

An alcoholic drink served before a meal to stimulate appetite.

An orange aperitif waits beside the place setting before dinner.

A small aperitif served at a dinner place setting before the food: an orange spritz beside an untouched, empty dinner plate, with the meal still under a covered serving dish.
Etymology
aperitifLatinopening

The literal sense “opening” had a medicinal application to laxatives and laxative liqueurs. It became the name of a drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

In context

Storytime Haven128:37
he gave him an aperitif which in less than three minutes caused the police official to lose consciousness.
The Place of Dragons: A Mystery 🐉🔍 | A Thrilling Suspenseful Adventure by William Le Queux

More examples

  • She chooses a small glass of vermouth as an aperitif.
  • The menu offers several aperitifs.
  • They enjoy an aperitif while waiting for the meal.

Forms

aperitif · aperitifs

Similar words

cocktail
A cocktail is a mixed drink; an aperitif is a drink served before a meal to stimulate appetite.
digestif
A digestif is served after a meal; an aperitif precedes it.