Appetizer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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appetizer

[หˆรฆpษชหŒtaษชzษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

An appetizer is a small dish of food or a drink taken before a meal or the main course to stimulate one's appetite.

Synonyms

antipasto, finger food, starter.

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Word Description / Examples
appetizer

Use when referring to a small dish served before a main meal in general contexts, especially in American English.

  • The chef prepared a delicious appetizer of shrimp cocktail.
  • We ordered a few appetizers to share before our main courses arrived.
starter

Use in British English to denote a small dish served before the main meal.

  • For our starter, we had a light soup before moving on to the main course.
  • The restaurant's starters included a variety of salads and seafood options.
antipasto

Use when referring specifically to Italian cuisine; it often includes a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables.

  • The waiter brought a beautifully arranged antipasto platter with prosciutto, salami, and marinated vegetables.
  • We started our meal with an antipasto, enjoying the variety of flavors and textures.
finger food

Use in casual situations where food is eaten with fingers, often at parties or gatherings.

  • The party had a great selection of finger foods, including sliders and mini quiches.
  • For the game night, we prepared an array of finger foods like chicken wings and cheese sticks.

Examples of usage

  • Before the main course, we enjoyed some delicious appetizers such as bruschetta and shrimp cocktail.
  • The restaurant offers a variety of appetizers, from cheese platters to mini sliders.
  • She ordered a glass of wine and a plate of appetizers to start her meal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'appetizer'

The term 'appetizer' originated in the 19th century from the French word 'appรฉtit', meaning 'appetite'. Appetizers were traditionally used to stimulate the appetite before a meal and often consisted of small, flavorful dishes. Over time, the concept of appetizers has evolved to include a wide range of small dishes served before the main course in various cuisines around the world.