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

“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

Many guests bristle when they can’t be seated as incomplete parties, or order appetizers without putting in their main course order.

From The Wall Street Journal

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