Definition

Noun: A small portion of food or a drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is intended to whet the diner's hunger for the main courses to follow and is often the first course of a meal.

Usage

An appetiser is served at the beginning of a meal. It is typically lighter and smaller than a main course. The term is commonly used in restaurant settings and for formal or social dining occasions.

Examples

• We ordered some olives and bread as an appetiser while we looked at the main menu.
• The restaurant's signature appetiser is a plate of spicy chicken wings.
• She served a light soup as an appetiser before the roast dinner.

Advanced Usage

• "To whet one's appetite": While not containing the word "appetiser," this idiom describes the primary function of an appetiser. An appetiser is designed .
  • The bruschetta was a perfect appetiser to whet our appetites for the pasta.

Variants and Related Words

• Appetizer: The standard spelling in American English.
• Starter: A common synonym, especially in British English.
  • For my starter, I'll have the prawn cocktail.
• Hors d'oeuvre: A French term often used for small, bite-sized appetisers served at parties or receptions before a meal, sometimes while standing.
• Canapé: A specific type of hors d'oeuvre, consisting of a small piece of bread or pastry with a savory topping.

Synonyms

• Starter
• Hors d'oeuvre
• First course
• Antipasto (Italian context)

Antonyms

• Main course
• Entrée (in American English)
• Dessert

Noun

1. food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course)