antipasto

American  

[an-ti-pah-stoh, -pas-toh, ahn-tee-pahs-taw] / ˌæn tɪˈpɑ stoʊ, -ˈpæs toʊ, ˌɑn tiˈpɑs tɔ /

noun

Italian Cooking.

plural

antipastos, antipasti

1. a course of appetizers consisting of an assortment of foods, as olives, anchovies, sliced sausage, peppers, and artichoke hearts.

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antipasto British  

/ -ˈpæs-, ˌæntɪˈpɑːstəʊ /

noun

1. a course of hors d'oeuvres in an Italian meal

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Etymology

Origin of antipasto

First recorded in 1580–90; from Italian, equivalent to anti- (from Latin ante- “before”) + pasto “food,” from Latin pāstus “pasturage, feeding ground,” originally “the act of feeding,” equivalent to pās-, stem of pāscere “to feed” + -tus suffix of verbal action; see ante-

Explanation

Antipasto is a kind of appetizer, a small dish you order before your entree. Antipasto is on the menu at many Italian restaurants. In Italy, a traditional meal begins with antipasto, which generally includes cheese, cured meat, and pickled vegetables. In the US, antipasto is thought of as an hors d’oeuvre or an appetizer. The word itself, antipasto, means "before the meal," from the roots anti-, "before," and pasto, "food." The plural of antipasto is antipasti.

Example Sentences

A simple charcuterie board or antipasto skewers are both a total tailgate win, but often overlooked.

From Salon • Sep. 15, 2025

Being in a government “is not like picking up a menu and deciding, antipasto, no, gelato, yes,” said Emma Bonino, who leads a tiny pro-Europe party.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2022

They’ve got sandwiches, salads and fun snacks for sharing like antipasto and hummus.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2022

Inspired by traditional antipasto flavors, we wanted to create a pasta salad that could take on hearty, interesting mix-ins.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2021

“Thank you,” Alex said, passing the pizza, the antipasto, and the bag of garlic knots to Mr. Dunlap.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Related Words

• starter