Definition

A small dish of food or drink served before a meal to make you hungry for the main course.

Example

We ordered a delicious shrimp cocktail as an appetizer before our main meal.

Conversation

Have you decided what to order for dinner yet?

Not yet, but I’m thinking of starting with an appetizer.

That sounds good! What kind of appetizer do you have in mind?

Maybe some bruschetta or shrimp cocktails would be nice.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Appetizer is formed from "appetere" (from Latin, meaning to seek or desire) and the suffix "-izer" (indicating something that causes or produces). The word refers to something that stimulates the desire for food, typically served before the main meal.

Memory Tip

Think of 'seeking' or 'desiring' food — that's what an appetizer does, it makes you want to eat more.

Visually Confused Words