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

Service begins with an amuse bouche and a fresh baked pastry basket, followed by a choice of appetizers including avocado toast with sunflower seeds and chili flakes, crispy salmon sushi with chipotle mayonnaise, or tuna tartare with lemon-olive dressing, among others. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Opening the bag of tortilla chips requires more effort, which is probably why this is our go-to appetizer. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025

Guests will experience an inspiring evening filled with stunning abstract and watercolor art, a silent auction, fine wine from Ponzi Vineyards, and delectable appetizers, all while connecting with fellow art lovers and community leaders, according to a news release. —Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025

One dines on such sophisticated and opulent appetizers as smoked salmon ravioli (a special on a recent night, $10), which were fat puffs of pasta stuffed with salmon and seasonings. —Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 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