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

Highlights include Spanish guitar performances, tequila cocktails and a light Mexican appetizer, aboard the San Salvador, a replica of explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo’s vessel, which reached America’s West Coast in 1542. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025

In the clip, the comedian hustles around set sampling caviar appetizers and joking that Lenny Kravitz and Mustard will have to forgo their leather pants for tuxedos. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 Apr. 2025

For instance, give yourself until your appetizers arrive to talk about that mutual friend who keeps getting back with their cheating ex. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 Apr. 2025

The menu includes the family’s signature pizzas and pasta, chicken and seafood entrees, stromboli, calzones, appetizers, soups and salads, and special lunch offerings. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 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