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

Here are eight of our favorite items available in August, from pantry treats to an easy tailgate appetizer to fanciful, must-have Halloween decor, all under five dollars. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2025

The Premiere House tapas bar will offer a menu of shareable appetizers and signature cocktails. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025

That’s an appetizer for the highlight of the day, which will be the top 8 of the Marvel vs. Capcom 2 tournament, which features one of the biggest fields in the game’s history. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 31 July 2025

Supplementary data, such as anecdotal behavior change stories, net promoter scores, and attendance help act as an appetizer for the key behavioral data pieces. —Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 30 July 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