appetizer
noun
ap·pe·tiz·er
ˈa-pə-ˌtī-zər 
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
Service begins with an amuse bouche and a fresh baked pastry basket, followed by a choice of appetizers including avocado toast with sunflower seeds and chili flakes, crispy salmon sushi with chipotle mayonnaise, or tuna tartare with lemon-olive dressing, among others.
—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Opening the bag of tortilla chips requires more effort, which is probably why this is our go-to appetizer.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
Guests will experience an inspiring evening filled with stunning abstract and watercolor art, a silent auction, fine wine from Ponzi Vineyards, and delectable appetizers, all while connecting with fellow art lovers and community leaders, according to a news release.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
One dines on such sophisticated and opulent appetizers as smoked salmon ravioli (a special on a recent night, $10), which were fat puffs of pasta stuffed with salmon and seasonings.
—Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
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.
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Opening the bag of tortilla chips requires more effort, which is probably why this is our go-to appetizer.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
Guests will experience an inspiring evening filled with stunning abstract and watercolor art, a silent auction, fine wine from Ponzi Vineyards, and delectable appetizers, all while connecting with fellow art lovers and community leaders, according to a news release.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
One dines on such sophisticated and opulent appetizers as smoked salmon ravioli (a special on a recent night, $10), which were fat puffs of pasta stuffed with salmon and seasonings.
—Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetizer. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appetizer
noun
ap·pe·tiz·er
ˈap-ə-ˌtī-zər
1
: a food or drink usually served before a meal to make one hungrier
2
: something that creates a desire for more
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share