antipasto
Americannoun
plural
antipastos, antipastinoun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing antipasto
World Cuisine - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
World Cuisine - Middle School and High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Similarly, you can raid your local grocery store's antipasto bar for briny olives, marinated cheese and roasted garlic to toss into pasta, while the salad bar has great options for grain bowl toppings.
From Salon • Mar. 18, 2023
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
"The classic Tuscan antipasto would not be complete without crostini di fegatini," writes recipe developer Emiko Davies.
From Salon • Apr. 30, 2022
One guest, former NFL running back Rashad Jennings, most recently of the New York Giants — and a 2017 “Dancing With the Stars” champion — piles chopped antipasto onto a plate.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2022
“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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
