appetizer

noun ap·pe·tiz·er \ ˈa-pə-ˌtī-zər \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

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

See appetizer defined for kids

Recent Examples of appetizer from the Web

Fiesta Mexican Each location is giving away 500 free appetizer-sized burritos.

— marissa miller, Teen Vogue, "16 National Burrito Day Deals," 5 Apr. 2018
The menu features boneless chicken zingers and sauces, steaks, pasta, salads, sandwiches, desserts and appetizers.

— bob bong, Daily Southtown, "Miller's Ale House opens in Orland Park," 27 Mar. 2018
In the middle of the kitchen, bowls are filled with the salads, pickles and appetizers that Gohar still makes.

— jenn harris, latimes.com, "The story behind Raffi's Place, and some of the best koobideh kebabs in Glendale," 21 Mar. 2018
Bloomberg reports the dinner also served appetizers featuring tarantula and cockroach.

— brett molina, USA TODAY, "Jeff Bezos has eaten iguana, loves his momma, and other things we learned about the Amazon founder," 12 Mar. 2018
SUBSCRIBE NOW Shrimp and crab cake appetizer at the Wharf Steak and Seafood, scheduled to open in March in Roanoke.

— celestina blok, star-telegram, "Restaurant news for March," 8 Mar. 2018
Before the show from 5-6 p.m., snack on appetizers from the shopping center's restaurants and sample wines and bourbons provided by Westport Whiskey & Wine.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "These Kentucky Derby fashion events will get you ready for a day at the track," 6 Mar. 2018
The menu features a section of vegetarian entrees, several meal-size salads and vegetarian appetizers to boot.

— kate washington, sacbee, "The region's best Oaxacan food just might be found in ... Rocklin? | The Sacramento Bee," 2 Mar. 2018
Spread: The all-vegan menu included passed appetizers of quinoa patties with zucchini and sesame paste, garbanzo bean tostadas, avocado toast, wild mushroom polenta cakes and beet napoleon with cashew cheese.

— ramona saviss, The Hollywood Reporter, "2018 Oscars Party Diary: Inside the A-List Parties and Events (Updating)," 1 Mar. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1782

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

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

APPETIZER Defined for English Language Learners

appetizer

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

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

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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appetizer

Definition of appetizer

Recent Examples of appetizer from the Web

Origin and Etymology of appetizer

Other Food Terms

APPETIZER Defined for English Language Learners

appetizer

Definition of appetizer for English Language Learners

APPETIZER Defined for Kids

appetizer

Definition of appetizer for Students

Learn More about appetizer

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appetizer

Definition of appetizer

Recent Examples of appetizer from the Web

Origin and Etymology of appetizer

Other Food Terms

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appetizer

Definition of appetizer for English Language Learners

APPETIZER Defined for Kids

appetizer

Definition of appetizer for Students

Learn More about appetizer

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