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

Surround yourself with the bright light displays while enjoying appetizers, entertainment, door prizes & a glass of champagne. —Rashad Alexander december 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Dec. 2025

Cream cheese meets spicy jalapeños in this all-star appetizer that will be a hit on game day. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025

One recent omakase dinner began with an appetizer bowl of edamame pods, followed by two rounds with four gorgeous sushi bites each. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025

The holiday season brings out dozens of holiday-specific hustles, from wrapping packages and running errands to hanging lights or serving appetizers and drinks at Christmas and Hanukkah parties. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 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