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

Loaded with ground chuck and pinto beans, these hearty nachos can work as an appetizer for a crowd or a dinner for a family. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 24 May 2026

Pack in a cooler for a summer picnic or cut into slices and secure with toothpicks for an easy pinwheel appetizer. —Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 23 May 2026

The relatively small sit-down restaurant near the Centerpointe food court has a concise menu of sushi rolls, two rice bowls (poke and chicken teriyaki) and a few appetizers. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 May 2026

And thanks to the marble design, appetizers stay cool while serving outside. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 22 May 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