appetizer

American  

[ap-i-tahy-zer] / ˈæp ɪˌtaɪ zər /

noun

1. a small portion of a food or drink served before or at the beginning of a meal to stimulate the desire to eat.

2. any small portion that stimulates a desire for more or that indicates more is to follow.

   The first game was an appetizer to a great football season.

---

appetizer British  

/ ˈæpɪˌtaɪzə /

noun

1. a small amount of food or drink taken to stimulate the appetite

2. any stimulating foretaste

---

Etymology

Origin of appetizer

First recorded in 1860–65; appetiz(ing) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

A caterer would be circulating with appetizers on silver trays while Dad hid in the kitchen to avoid socializing.

From Literature

At the tropical Siren Social Club, I splurged on a gin martini, an appetizer of garlicky Gulf shrimp and pastry-encrusted beef Wellington.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Unless that meat’s the appetizer, and we’re the main course,” said George.

From Literature

We started with a few appetizers, including Fischer-Farms Bacon, sweet and slightly spiced hunks of pork belly, glazed and absolutely indulgent.

From Salon

Chili’s offers a deal with a drink, appetizer and entree that starts at $10.99.

From MarketWatch