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

At the reception after the funeral, Marissa eats an appetizer with soy before kissing Peter, who has a soy allergy. —Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025

These Hillshire brand Lit’l Smokies (made with pork and chicken) are $2 off this month and are one of our favorite brands for easy holiday party appetizers. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

Serve up these cute shapes as a pasta salad appetizer at your next holiday party, or cook up a special macaroni dish for your next holiday movie night. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025

Samples will lean heavily toward appetizers and sweets. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 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