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

With crunchy, salty Ruffles chips, this is the appetizer of the year. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2024

The band first dropped a retrospective compilation, which performed well…but that turned out to be only the appetizer. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Visitors can also sit down for a drink and an appetizer at Solalua (don’t miss its lengthy selection of cocktails) or Casa & Fora, located in the clubhouse, which caters to the golfers visiting the resort that again offers small bites and plenty of craft beers. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2024

On their flight home on Dec. 1, they were treated to a Christmas dinner on the plane, complete with one of Kathy's favorite appetizers. —Erin Clack, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

appetiz(ing) + -er entry 2

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