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

Executive chef Franck Tasic is curating the five-course menu that encompasses a cocktail flight, salad, hot appetizer, main entree and dessert. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Tickets are $25 each, plus processing fees, and include appetizer and dessert tastings from 14 restaurants and eateries, free all-day parking at the 150 York Street Garage (Chapel-York Garage), shopping offers from local merchants, and a cotton tote bag, according to a statement. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026

Opt for a sampling platter of northern Thai appetizers such as sai oua sausage and nam prik chilli relish with local vegetables, and don't miss the coconutty khao soi curry soup. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

Start with an appetizer of Kimchi Deviled Eggs or Korean Wings, and then the salad course of Radicchio Caesar or Red Beets and Strawberries. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 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