appetizer

noun

ap·​pe·​tiz·​er ˈa-pə-ˌtī-zər How to pronounce appetizer (audio)
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 The menu features appetizers such as Kentucky bison empanadas and entrees ranging from sea scallops to mahi mahi tacos to skirt steak with chimichurri. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Its menu features a range of pub-style food from burgers to appetizers to main entrees as well as healthy, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 20 Feb. 2024 Over cocktails and appetizers just off the lobby (seated in a room designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame), the hotel manager informs me that Emily in Paris filmed much of its Saint Tropez episode on the property—which is, in reality, nearly two hours from the location. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2024 The meal begins with a glass of Prosecco and appetizers such as Italian chop and caprese salads, string bean fritti, and fried squash blossoms. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 Customers can expect a variety of shareable appetizers and hearty entrees, a nice selection of craft beers, specialty cocktails and wine. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco is now offering a pizza tasting menu, including seven pizzas, a smattering of appetizers, and dessert, Eater SF reported on Thursday. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 This sweet and tart appetizer doubles as a fresh, crisp salad. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024 Each guest will select their own appetizer and entree. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appetizer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see appetite

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appetizer was in 1782

Dictionary Entries Near appetizer

Cite this Entry

“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetizer. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

appetizer

noun
ap·​pe·​tiz·​er ˈap-ə-ˌtī-zər How to pronounce appetizer (audio)
1
: a food or drink usually served before a meal to make one hungrier
2
: something that creates a desire for more
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!