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 resort’s garden also yields a variety of produce for the restaurants, including melons, zucchini, eggplant and black garlic—the key ingredient in a popular black garlic tzatziki appetizer. —Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Baked Eggplant Slices Baked eggplant slices or discs are a great swap for toast when making bruschetta or another appetizer. —Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2025

Pfaltzgraff Autumn Berry Oval Platter This multipurpose serving dish is ideal for serving up everything from family-style meals to game day appetizers. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

At Terminal 1, it’s slated to serve flights of wine, craft beer from local breweries, small appetizers and cheese and meat plates. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 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