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
Caviar, replete with buckwheat blinis and other accoutrements, is a daily decadent appetizer option.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Get dinner for two with appetizers, a Dungeness crab, garlic noodles, dessert and wine or beer for $118.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
This easy appetizer keeps it simple with just four main ingredients—strawberries, jalapeño, goat cheese, and toasted baguette.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Charcuterie nachos are easy for guests to pick at and are a filling appetizer.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Get dinner for two with appetizers, a Dungeness crab, garlic noodles, dessert and wine or beer for $118.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
This easy appetizer keeps it simple with just four main ingredients—strawberries, jalapeño, goat cheese, and toasted baguette.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Charcuterie nachos are easy for guests to pick at and are a filling appetizer.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetizer. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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