appetizer

[ap-i-tahy-zer]

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

/ ˈæpɪˌtaɪzə /

noun

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

2. any stimulating foretaste

Word History and Origins

Origin of appetizer¹

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

Example Sentences

“Sweet, juicy, and with just a hint of balancing tartness, this Cider simply excels when enjoyed alongside such an aromatic, allium-forward appetizer,” says TJ’s.

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It’s seriously tasty, though rich with butter—too much for an entree but perfect when shared as an appetizer.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Penelope and Miss Mortimer sat in awestruck silence as the waiter uncovered their appetizer plates.

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With that, the former king of a former Wall Street lifted the plate that held his appetizer and asked, sweetly, “Would you like a deviled egg?”

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The menu is extensive, with cold and hot appetizers, stews, rice and noodles, and of course, meat grilled expertly at the table as you watch.

Read more on Salon