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

Serve this sweet-and-spicy salad with your favorite cute cocktail picks for a fresh-and-fun summer appetizer. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

At least that way you can be prepared — either by suggesting somewhere else or by eating hearty appetizers beforehand. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 19 June 2026

Consider every guest’s dietary restrictions, and put out an array of appetizers alongside pre-dinner cocktails and mocktails. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

There was a spread of appetizers including cheese, vegetables and meats reminiscent of New Year’s Eve. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 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
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer
• merchandiser
• moisturizer

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