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

Customers can pick three tacos with chicken, beef, seafood or veggie fillings; an appetizer of chips and dip, chicharrones or corn with bone marrow butter; and for dessert, tres leches cake or churros with chocolate sauce. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026

This modern American cuisine restaurant serves a mix of $5 to $9 appetizers such as trout ceviche, cheeseburger and kale salad. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Crawfish is in season during Mardi Gras season, so make these quick appetizer-sized rolls for dinner or a nibble before a parade. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

Maggiano's Marco’s Meal for Two (starting at $59), which comes with an appetizer or two salads, two pasta entrées and dessert. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 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