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

Admission is $60, including two drink tickets, appetizers, music, painting canvas and raffle ticket. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025

The vibe at this market is one of soaking up the scenery, sipping your glühwein (perhaps around one of the toasty fires), and sampling appetizers from around the world, such as Tibetan dumplings or Yemeni eggplant sandwiches. —AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025

The blast Tuesday followed an appetizer on Monday in which the hottest spots got into the mid-90s. —Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025

Menu items that stood out include the sweet corn bisque, smoked pork cheeks and the elote appetizer. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 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