appetizer

noun

ap·​pe·​tiz·​er ˈa-pə-ˌtī-zər How to pronounce appetizer (audio)
Synonyms of appetizernext
1
: a food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is usually served before a meal
The appetizers included shrimp with cocktail sauce, vegetables and dips, cheeses, and fruits.
2
: something that stimulates a desire for more
a literary appetizer
hoped that the short trip would be an appetizer for longer ones

Examples of appetizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After a nice appetizer over the weekend courtesy of week zero, the action ramps up in earnest with a full slate of games going all the way through Labor Day. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Plates of Portuguese food were served throughout the weekend, with appetizers particularly traditional. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 Whip up avocado deviled eggs for a fun twist on the classic appetizer. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 Both companies will deliver results on the heels of rivals that raised the bar, with Nvidia preceding Broadcom and CrowdStrike as the appetizer for Palo Alto. — Kevin Stankiewicz,zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appetizer

Word History

Etymology

appetiz(ing) + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appetizer was in 1782

Rhymes for appetizer

See All Rhymes for appetizer

Browse Nearby Words

appetitost
appetizer
appetizer wine
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Cite this Entry

“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetizer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

appetizer

noun
ap·​pe·​tiz·​er ˈap-ə-ˌtī-zər How to pronounce appetizer (audio)
1
: a food or drink usually served before a meal to make one hungrier
2
: something that creates a desire for more

More from Merriam-Webster on appetizer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for appetizer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about appetizer

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