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aperitif

aperitif

5 7.2
An alcoholic drink served before a meal to make you want to eat
  • noun
  • /ˌæpəˈriːtɪf/
translation icon : aperitivo
  • May I offer you an aperitif to whet your appetite?

Examples

  • They have nutty, caramel flavors and are a wonderful aperitif when chilled.

    Blog text (34)
  • And sure enough, he found them enjoying an early aperitif on the café terrace.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Would you like to join them or would you prefer an aperitif first?

  • May I get you an aperitif?

  • Would you like to order an aperitif?

  • Maybe you could stop by my place, have an aperitif.

  • Aperitif and snacks on the patio, then an amazing meal prepared by Eric.

    Blog text (19)
  • After you freshen up, why don't you join me on the terrace for an aperitif?

  • Would you like to join them for an aperitif before dinner?

  • On warm evenings, I enjoy sipping an aperitif while sitting on the terrace.

Synonyms

appetizer
vsaperitif
  • US
103 2.6

A small food or drink served before a main meal to make you hungry

is specifically an alcoholic drink served before meals rather than food
appy
vsaperitif
  • Australian
1 9.9

A small starter dish served before the main meal in Australia and New Zealand

is a specific alcoholic drink rather than an informal regional name
predinner
vsaperitif
1 3.4

A light drink or snack people have before dinner

refers specifically to an alcoholic drink served to stimulate appetite rather than gatherings
light appetizer
vsaperitif
3.2

A small not heavy dish served before the main meal to make you want to eat

is used as an alcoholic drink rather than a light food option

How Alcoholic

spirits
1 3.0
wine
1.0
aperitif
5 7.2
soft drink
40 1.0

Surface Forms

aperitif singular
aperitifs plural

Etymology

The word aperitif comes from the Latin aperire 'to open', a root related to the English word open. It was used for a small drink that 'opens' your appetite before a meal, which is why an aperitif is served before dinner.