appetizer

noun

ap·​pe·​tiz·​er ˈa-pə-ˌtī-zər 

1

: a food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is usually served before a meal

The appetizers included shrimp with cocktail sauce, vegetables and dips, cheeses, and fruits.

2

: something that stimulates a desire for more

a literary appetizer

hoped that the short trip would be an appetizer for longer ones

Examples of appetizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are sections on appetizers, main dishes, sandwiches, soups and vegetarian main dishes along with snacks, desserts and drinks. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 3 May 2024

Breaking up the appetizer and entree course was an intermission of tequila shots—which has become a Markarian event signature—IYKYK. —Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see appetite

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

appetizer

noun

ap·​pe·​tiz·​er ˈap-ə-ˌtī-zər 

1

: a food or drink usually served before a meal to make one hungrier

2

: something that creates a desire for more