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.

---

appetizer British  

/ ˈæpɪˌtaɪzə /

noun

1. a small amount of food or drink taken to stimulate the appetite

2. any stimulating foretaste

---

Etymology

Origin of appetizer

First recorded in 1860–65; appetiz(ing) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The appetizers, especially the charred grapes with mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar cream, were better than the main course.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their discussion of what makes Britain great never gets past the topic of appetizers.

From The Wall Street Journal

A caterer would be circulating with appetizers on silver trays while Dad hid in the kitchen to avoid socializing.

From Literature

At the tropical Siren Social Club, I splurged on a gin martini, an appetizer of garlicky Gulf shrimp and pastry-encrusted beef Wellington.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Unless that meat’s the appetizer, and we’re the main course,” said George.

From Literature