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

This is a great neighborhood tavern with some of my favorite pizzas, salads and appetizers in town. —Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025

Forget every other frozen appetizer, this recipe will start the party. —Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025

The menu will feature snackable, shareable appetizers along with mains like sandwiches and weekly specials. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

That's a game-changer to streamline this appetizer recipe. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 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