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

Or maybe these testimonies are appetizers for the main course: a seven-page description, toward the book’s end, of the birth of Rush’s first child. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023

Prices: appetizers $7 to $15, main courses $15 to $23. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023

The Moon missions are an appetizer, offering a chance for practice and technology development in Earth's neighborhood. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 17 Nov. 2023

As Harris says, that was just the appetizer at their first stop, Johnny Reb’s True South. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2023

The set includes two stackable, rectangular baking dishes ideal for single-pan appetizers like candied sweet potatoes or stuffing. —Andie Kanaras, Peoplemag, 28 Oct. 2023

It can be used to add flavor to a range of recipes, from soups and stews, to appetizers like this one. —Nancie McDermott, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2023

The opera house’s magnificent central staircase became a stage for dancers and a choral group as guests enjoyed appetizers and glasses of Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2023

Serve it over ice with appetizers, or mix it with vodka for those looking for a punch. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Nov. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see appetite

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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