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 Henley Kitchen & Bar The Henley in the Hilton/Southlake Town Square is offering a $59 menu including steak Diane, fries, appetizer and dessert. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026

Kayley remembered the extra forks but forgot the appetizer plates. — Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

The Great Room's menu is heavy on appetizers and small bites, while the formal Dining Room emphasizes British Columbian wines. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Menu offerings include appetizers such as Dungeness crab cakes and lobster corn dogs, and entrées such as crispy chicken Milanese, honey miso glazed salmon and a signature Skywalker Ranch Wagyu burger. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 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