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

What follows is a forshpayz, an appetizer, to this rich and diverse body of work. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

Go for two with this crowd-pleasing appetizer that would be perfect for Super Bowl Sunday. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026

This easy appetizer packs chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese into a warm, delicious dough. —Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026

Readers said the spicy edamame hummus was their favorite appetizer in all of Kansas City and that the sushi was phenomenal. —Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2026

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