What does appetizer mean?
An appetizer is a small dish of food — sometimes accompanied by a drink — served at the start of a meal with the specific purpose of stimulating the diner's appetite rather than satisfying it. Typical examples include soups, salads, dips, canapés, and small plates such as bruschetta or spring rolls. In American English, 'appetizer' is the standard term on restaurant menus, while British English favours 'starter' and uses the variant spelling 'appetiser'. The word derives from the Latin verb 'appetere', meaning to strive after or desire, the same root that gives us 'appetite' and 'appetizing'. Beyond its literal culinary use, 'appetizer' occasionally appears figuratively to describe anything that offers a small taste of what is to come, such as a preview or teaser. Its connotations are convivial and inviting, evoking leisurely meals and shared plates.
nounA small dish of food or drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
- A small portion of food served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
- (Less common) Something that stimulates a desire or interest, used figuratively (e.g. 'a taste of things to come').
"We ordered a plate of bruschetta as an appetizer while we waited for our main courses."
"The waiter brought out a complimentary appetizer of olives and bread."
"The film's opening scene was just an appetizer for the thrills that followed."
Standard plural form; commonly used when referring to a selection of small dishes offered together.
"The restaurant offers a wide range of appetizers, from calamari to stuffed mushrooms."
The word 'appetizer' literally means something that sharpens your hunger — it comes from Latin 'appetere', meaning 'to strive for or desire'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of appetizer
Appetizer entered English in the early 19th century, formed from the verb 'appetize' by adding the agent suffix '-er'. Both trace back to the Latin 'appetere', meaning to strive toward or desire strongly, from 'ad-' (toward) plus 'petere' (to seek). This same Latin root underlies 'appetite', 'appetizing', and the rarer English words 'appetence' and 'appetency'. The related French term 'hors d'oeuvre' serves the same culinary function but has a separate etymology.
Related word forms
How appetizer is actually used
In British English, 'starter' is more common than 'appetizer'; in American English, 'appetizer' is standard, especially on restaurant menus. The spelling 'appetiser' is the British variant. The word is neutral in register, appearing equally in casual menus and formal dining contexts.
Easily confused with appetizer
An appetizer is served at the beginning of a meal to stimulate the appetite, whereas a dessert is a sweet course served at the end.
An appetizer is food, while an aperitif is an alcoholic drink consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.