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.

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appetizer British  

/ ˈæpɪˌtaɪzə /

noun

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

2. any stimulating foretaste

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Etymology

Origin of appetizer

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

Example Sentences

I once saw a post declaring it “cheugy” — with a bold, almost moral indignation — to serve Trader Joe’s appetizers because “everyone knows what they are.”

From Salon

“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.

From Salon

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Literature

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?”

From Literature