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appetizer

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noun ap·pe·tiz·er \ ˈa-pə-ˌtī-zər \

Definition of appetizer

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

See appetizer defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of appetizer from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'appetizer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of appetizer

see appetite

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

APPETIZER Defined for English Language Learners

appetizer

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noun

Definition of appetizer for English Language Learners

  • : a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal

APPETIZER Defined for Kids

appetizer

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noun ap·pe·tiz·er \ ˈa-pə-ˌtī-zər \

Definition of appetizer for Students

:a food or drink served before a meal

Learn More about appetizer

  1. See words that rhyme with appetizer Spanish Central: Translation of appetizer Nglish: Translation of appetizer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of appetizer for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about appetizer

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of yeast or being unsettled or frivolous

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