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

Craft cocktails like the Cloud Nine, Eclipse Martini and Sundown Spritz channel the sky-high ambience, while the food menu offers a range of trans-Pacific shareables, appetizers and entrees. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

The James Beard Award winner is teaming up with Target's Good & Gather line to bring Carolina-style appetizers, snacks, and sauces to tables across the country. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 May 2025

The Aloha Spoon, an appetizer featuring Ikura, quail egg, uni, ponzu, and shiso, was refreshing, while the Tamari Salmon Poke with sweet soy sesame and scallions was simple but delicious. —Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025

At Fontana di Vino’s Charlotte location, the menu offers a mozzarella bar and a variety of Italian appetizers including meatballs, mussels and Roman flatbread. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 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