appetizer
AP-i-ty-zer
/ˈæpɪtaɪzər/
A small dish of food served before the main part of a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Refers specifically to a starter dish designed to stimulate hunger rather than satisfy it completely.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to Latin 'appetere', combining 'ad-' (toward) and 'petere' (to seek). By the late 19th century in English, 'appetizer' evolved into a specific culinary term for small savory dishes served to awaken the stomach before dinner.
Word relationships
- starter: Starter is more commonly used in British English, whereas appetizer is standard in American English.
- hors d'oeuvre: Hors d'oeuvre usually refers to finger foods served during cocktail hours rather than seated meal courses.
- dessert: Dessert is the final sweet course of a meal, coming after main dishes.
Commonly confused with
- entree: An appetizer comes first to stimulate hunger, while an entree is the primary main dish.
Word family
- appetite (noun): A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.
- appetizing (adjective): Appealing to the appetite; inviting.
Collocations
- crispy appetizer
- appetizer platter
- serve as an appetizer
- light appetizer
Idioms & expressions
- whet one's appetite
Example sentences
- "We ordered a light seafood appetizer to share before our main dishes arrived." Restaurant dining
Memory hook
Think of an APP on your phone that wakes up your phone before you start using it. Awakens your stomach before the main meal.
When not to use
Do not use for sweet items served after a meal, which are desserts.
Fun facts
- In 19th-century America, appetizers were often free salty snacks served in taverns to encourage drink sales.
Explore more words
appetite, course, condiment, refreshments, degustation, plating
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