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

His dad's culinary speciality, meatballs, will also be featured as an appetizer. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

Serve in martinis or alongside appetizers in a cocktail spread. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025

To Campbell, the UEFA Champions League match he’s tuned into is only an appetizer. —Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025

For a superb last-minute treat, they can be fried and served as a quick-to-prepare appetizer. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

appetiz(ing) + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for appetizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer
• merchandiser

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