What does appetising mean?
Appetising is an adjective describing food that looks or smells so appealing that it stirs the desire to eat. A steaming bowl of soup on a cold day, a platter of ripe fruit glistening with juice, or bread fresh from the oven can all be described as appetising. The word engages the senses before taste even begins: it concerns appearance and aroma above all, which is why it appears so often in cookbooks, restaurant reviews, menus, and food advertising. It carries a warm, positive connotation and is generally considered slightly more formal or literary than everyday terms like 'tasty'. In British English it is spelled 'appetising', while American English uses 'appetizing'; both derive from the same root as 'appetite', ultimately from the Latin verb appetere, meaning to strive toward or desire. Its opposite, unappetising, describes food that puts one off eating.
adjective(Of food) looking or smelling so good that it stimulates the desire to eat; appealing to the senses and whetting the appetite.
- (Of food) having an appearance or aroma that stimulates the appetite; tempting to eat.
"The table was laid with an appetising array of cheeses, olives, and fresh bread."
"A plate of golden, appetising pancakes arrived at the table, drizzled with maple syrup."
"Even in the hospital cafeteria, she managed to make a surprisingly appetising lunch from the limited choices."
The word traces back to Latin 'appetere' — 'to strive after' — meaning that when you call food appetising, you're literally saying it makes you reach for it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of appetising
Appetising derives from the verb 'appetize', formed from 'appetite', which comes from the Latin 'appetitus' (a longing or desire), itself from 'appetere' — to strive after or seek eagerly. The adjective emerged in English in the early nineteenth century alongside the verb. It shares its Latin root with related words such as 'appetite' and 'appetizer'. The British spelling with '-ise' reflects the standard British convention for verbs derived this way, while American English uses '-ize'.
Related word forms
How appetising is actually used
Primarily used for food and drink, though occasionally extended metaphorically to anything enticing. The spelling 'appetising' is standard in British English; 'appetizing' is standard in American English. Generally positive in connotation and common in food writing, menus, and advertising.
Easily confused with appetising
Appealing describes general attractiveness of any kind, while appetising specifically refers to food that stimulates the desire to eat.
Appetizing is simply the American spelling of the same word; appetising is the British spelling.