appetiser
|ap-pe-tis-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈæpəˌtaɪzər/
🇬🇧
/ˈæpɪtaɪzə(r)/
stimulates the appetite
Etymology
'appetiser' originates from Modern English, specifically the verb 'appetize' (US) / 'appetise' (UK), where the element 'appet-' ultimately traces to Latin 'appetitus' meaning 'desire'.
'appetiser' developed from the verb 'appetize' (formed in the 19th century), which came via French 'appétiser' from Old French forms related to 'apetir' and from Latin 'appetere'/'appetitus'.
Initially related to the idea 'to excite or seek after (desire or hunger)', it narrowed to mean specifically 'something that stimulates the appetite' and then more concretely 'a small dish served before a meal'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small dish served before the main meal to stimulate the appetite.
We shared a few appetisers before the main course.
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Noun 2
something that arouses interest or desire; a preview or introduction intended to stimulate demand.
The short trailer acted as an appetiser for the full documentary.
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Last updated: 2025/09/25 03:38