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

Now, the restaurant offers omakase tasting menus at both lunch and dinner, with the dinner menu featuring appetizers, dessert, and eight kinds of pizza. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026

Every Southerner knows the appetizer spread is the star of any party. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

Admission includes trivia, appetizers throughout the evening and one drink ticket for use at the cash bar, according to a press release about the event. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Our favorites became the ‘heavy’ appetizer restaurants – multiple protein street tacos, fancy sliders, etc. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 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
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer
• merchandiser
• moisturizer

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