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 crushed Fritos, bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, and more, this is a dish that won't last long on the appetizer spread. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

At Teruko at Hotel Chelsea in New York City, the guest-favorite cold appetizer is a fatty tuna tartare with mountain potato and served with crispy rice, with the option to add osetra caviar. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

And thank goodness this football masochism was merely the appetizer for the Bay’s main course. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 June 2026

Foodies will also find drinks, appetizer-style snacks, sides and more. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026

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
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer
• merchandiser
• moisturizer

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