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

The restaurant’s menu lacked a consumer advisory disclosure asterisk next to the raw seafood ingredients as well as a reminder statement for cold appetizers containing raw seafood. —Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025

The appetizers on the menu are also made fresh, like the fan-favorite and owner-recommended KC Pepper Chicken. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025

With the Miami waterfront as its backdrop, music filled the venue as industry leaders networked, nibbled on appetizers, and posed for photos in front of a flower wall provided by Johnnie Walker. —James Dinh, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025

Let these mini puff pastry appetizers be your peace of mind. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 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