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
Treat this as an appetizer before your breakfast casserole or as a dessert after.
—
Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2024
The venison kofta appetizer on the pier, for instance, reflects her passion.
—Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024
The mild heat wave provided an appetizer for warmer days ahead, but the arrival of clouds and cool winds Friday signaled a return to what has been the the most consistent pattern since December — showers and stormy skies.
—Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Vegetarian options: Egg-mushroom dumplings, a few appetizers and hearty plates of garlic-laden spinach, broccoli or bok choy.
—Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 11 Apr. 2024
The competition: In the 20-minute appetizer round, the contestants’ ingredient basket was filled with shrimp shells, shrimp, dill pickle juice and blue oyster mushrooms.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2024
The menu is divided into appetizers, salads, mains and desserts, and there are rotating global specials.
—The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
The lenses are meant to mimic the evocative light at twilight, when many Italians indulge in aperitivo hour, eat light appetizers, drink, and engage in casual conversation.
—Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024
The Italian Community Center buffet is served from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and features buffet stations with appetizers, traditional breakfast items, entrees, a carving table, kids menu and desserts.
—Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024
Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2024
The venison kofta appetizer on the pier, for instance, reflects her passion.
—Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024
The mild heat wave provided an appetizer for warmer days ahead, but the arrival of clouds and cool winds Friday signaled a return to what has been the the most consistent pattern since December — showers and stormy skies.
—Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Vegetarian options: Egg-mushroom dumplings, a few appetizers and hearty plates of garlic-laden spinach, broccoli or bok choy.
—Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 11 Apr. 2024
The competition: In the 20-minute appetizer round, the contestants’ ingredient basket was filled with shrimp shells, shrimp, dill pickle juice and blue oyster mushrooms.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2024
The menu is divided into appetizers, salads, mains and desserts, and there are rotating global specials.
—The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
The lenses are meant to mimic the evocative light at twilight, when many Italians indulge in aperitivo hour, eat light appetizers, drink, and engage in casual conversation.
—Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024
The Italian Community Center buffet is served from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and features buffet stations with appetizers, traditional breakfast items, entrees, a carving table, kids menu and desserts.
—Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appetizer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetizer. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
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
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