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
That's the beloved appetizer consisting of six yellow peppers stuffed with shrimp that family matriarch Carmen Murguia brought to California from the border town of Mexicali, creating what may be the area’s most popular Mexican dish and inspiring countless imitators.
—
Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
While meat is a traditional staple for iftar, appetizers are often plant-based.
—Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The $50 meal includes three appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 9 Feb. 2026
The influencer, who has over half a million followers on TikTok, regularly shares recipes for game-day appetizers and dreamy desserts.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
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Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
While meat is a traditional staple for iftar, appetizers are often plant-based.
—Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The $50 meal includes three appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 9 Feb. 2026
The influencer, who has over half a million followers on TikTok, regularly shares recipes for game-day appetizers and dreamy desserts.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appetizer
Cite this Entry
“Appetizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appetizer. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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