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.
This creamy, buttery morel dish is easy enough to make, while looking like an appetizer in a fancy French restaurant. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Snacks and appetizers $7-$28, most mains $27-$56, desserts $17-$19. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Agentic demand SpaceX's earnings also served as an appetizer of sorts for Meta Platforms' report on Wednesday night. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Try Gouda or Edam on this fresh-tasting onion pizza, perfect for a party appetizer. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 21 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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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