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Definition of appetizer

appetizer

/ˈæp.əˌtaɪ.zɚ/
(UK: appetiser)
ap · pe · tiz · er
Adverb:appetizingly
•
Plural:appetizers
•
Adjective:appetizing
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appetizer Lexical Profile

appetizer Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A small portion of food or a light drink served before the main course of a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Example

"We ordered a plate of toasted bruschetta as an appetizer to share before our main dishes arrived."

2

Something that serves as a brief, enticing introduction or preview of a larger event or experience to come.

Example

"The opening acoustic set was merely an appetizer for the band's two-hour main performance."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for appetizer

• Nearby Words

appendix
appetite
appetize
appetizer
appetizing
appetizingly
applaud

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from the verb 'appetize' (to stimulate the appetite), ultimately deriving from the Latin 'appetere', meaning 'to desire toward' or 'to long for'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Appetizer. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/appetizer
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