Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small dish of food or a drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite: An "appetizer" is typically the first course of a meal, designed to whet the appetite for the dishes that follow.

Usage

• An appetizer is served at the beginning of a meal.
• It can be a single, shared dish for the table or individual portions.
• Common types include soups, salads, small bites, or dips.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We ordered spinach and artichoke dip as an appetizer.
  • The restaurant serves a complimentary appetizer with every main course.
  • A light appetizer is perfect before a heavy meal.

Advanced Usage

• "To whet one's appetite": This phrase is conceptually related to the purpose of an appetizer, meaning to stimulate a desire for something, especially food.
  • The delicious smells from the kitchen whetted our appetites for the meal to come.

Variants and Related Words

• Appetiser (noun): The British English spelling of "appetizer".
• Starter (noun): A common synonym, especially in British English, for the first course of a meal.
• Hors d'oeuvre (noun): A small, savory item served before a meal, often at parties or receptions; it can be synonymous with appetizer but sometimes implies a more elaborate or passed item.

Synonyms

• Starter: The first course of a meal.
• Hors d'oeuvre: A small savory dish, typically served before a meal.
• Canapé: A small piece of bread or pastry with a savory topping, often served as an appetizer.

Antonyms

• Dessert: The sweet course served at the end of a meal.
• Main course: The primary dish of a meal.

Noun

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