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

And that may be even more satisfying than a clam appetizer. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025

People just can’t get enough of Sylvester’s Air Jordan 4, which arrived after two remixed Air Jordan 4 RM appetizers in 2024. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

After an appetizer of a Week 0 slate last weekend, we will be treated to a full schedule on Saturday featuring monster matchups like Texas-Ohio State and LSU-Clemson. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025

This crowd-pleasing appetizer marries chili sauce and barbecue sauce for a dump-and-stir success. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 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