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

These colorful toast bites can be served appetizer style or alongside your bunch mains. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Chef Accursio Lota studied Child’s cookbooks and landed on four appetizers, four entrees and three desserts. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026

An appetizer, an entrée, dessert. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026

James talks about adding a special menu of wines and Tapas -- Spanish appetizers. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 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