B1nounUK spelling: appetiserfoodtravel
US/ˈæp.ə.taɪ.zər/
UK/ˈæp.ɪ.taɪ.zə/
a small dish served at the start of a meal, before the main course
In context
We shared an appetizer of fried calamari while we waited for our main course.
The caterer will serve three appetizers at the company's holiday party.
Would you like to order an appetizer, or are you ready for the entrée?
Words that go with appetizer
verb + noun
- order an appetizerLet's order an appetizer to share before dinner.
- serve appetizersThe hotel serves appetizers at the evening reception.
- share an appetizerFour of us shared an appetizer and then ordered separately.
noun + noun
- appetizer menuThe appetizer menu has several vegetarian options.
adjective + noun
- cold appetizerA cold appetizer, such as shrimp cocktail, is a safe choice.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I had soup as my entrée, and then fish as the main course.Correct: I had soup as my appetizer, and then fish as the main course.