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

Explanation

An appetizer is part of a meal that's served before the main course. You might serve your dinner guests an appetizer of crab-stuffed mushrooms when they first arrive for dinner. Usually, an appetizer is a small serving of food — just a few bites — meant to be eaten before an entree, and often shared by several people. You can also call an appetizer an hors d'oeuvre. An appetizer is meant to stimulate your appetite, making you extra hungry for your meal. This is where the word comes from, literally meaning "something to whet the appetite" or "something to appetize."

Example Sentences

Inspired by Baraghani's "The Cook You Want to Be: Everyday Recipes to Impress" and food blog "Appetizer Addiction," Williams' homemade recipe can also be enjoyed as a side dish or a light supper.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2023

Q: You've included the essentials, such as "Farewell, My Lovely Appetizer," as well as lesser-known gems.

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2021

Appetizer options are oysters with black-truffle dashi or black truffle tagliatelle.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2018

Appetizer course is ahi tostada, which comes in an amazing presentation, and king crab cannelloni.

From Washington Times • Jan. 19, 2017

When Girardi offered to demo the app on Friday, Appetizer Mobile CEO Jordan Edelson fired up the game and showed off the action from inside Girardi’s Yankee Stadium office.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 21, 2015