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

While the Knicks would take Game 4 and the series 3-1 (back when first-round series were five games), the Starks-Miller incident was an appetizer for future matchups. —Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 21 May 2025

This 8-ingredient appetizer is a Test Kitchen favorite and perfect for hot days. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

That meant leaning into what its fans are familiar with — notably appetizers, meats and cocktails — plus hopefully attracting Gen Z eaters that crave different flavors. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 13 May 2025

The company also called out improvement in mix (items sold) trends, specifically in the entree and appetizer categories. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 8 May 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