online vocabulary.com

Appetizer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An appetizer is a small dish served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is often light and flavorful, setting the tone for the main course. Examples include soups, salads, or finger foods.

appetizer

/ˈæpəˌtaɪzər/ /əˈpɛtʌɪzə/

Definition:

A small dish served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Synonyms:

starter, hors d'oeuvre, canapé, finger food

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

main course, dessert

Common Collocations:

order an appetizer, serve as an appetizer, delicious appetizer, shareable appetizer, classic appetizer

Derivatives:

appetizing, appetize

Usage Tips:

Use "appetizer" to describe small dishes before the main meal; avoid confusing it with "entrée" in American English.

Common Phrases:

whet your appetite, starter before the main course, light bite

Etymology:

Derived from French "appétit," meaning "desire for food," with the suffix "-er" indicating an agent or instrument.

Examples:

  • 1. We ordered a delicious shrimp appetizer before dinner.
  • 2. The restaurant serves a complimentary appetizer with every meal.
  • 3. She loves sharing an appetizer with friends at happy hour.
  • 4. Try the spinach dip—it’s their most popular appetizer!

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS