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 just like that, an appetizer exploded into legend. —David Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025

And the film worked all too well as an appetizer, since the festival only showed Part 1 of what is, in fact, a two-part HBO documentary. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 6 June 2025

This is a delicious and vibrant appetizer that also serves as a perfect side dish for nearly any entrée. —Randy Graham, Oc Register, 3 June 2025

That’s certainly true for one of my favorite appetizer recipes, which was created and made famous right in my hometown of Mobile, Alabama. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 May 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