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

Choices of appetizers, soup or salad, several entrées, including a traditional turkey dinner, and desserts. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Their appetizer, the Japanese Cold Noodle, was sweet and frosty, with pleasant umami undertones; the main, the Cold Pizza, tasted unnervingly like its namesake, a heady mix of tequila, tomato, and basil. —Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025

Make a reservation at 1921 Mount Dora for dinner, or stop in for appetizers and a drink at their bar. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025

Ramundo's offers appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, subs, calzones, desserts and a munchkin menu for the little pizza lovers in your life. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Nov. 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