'appetizer' originates from French, specifically the word 'appétiser' (19th century), ultimately from Late Latin 'appetitare' (a frequentative of Latin 'appetere') meaning 'to desire or seek'.

'appetere' (Latin) -> 'appetitus'/'appetitare' (Late Latin) -> Old/French forms such as 'appétiser' -> English 'appetizer' (late 18th–19th century), coming to mean a small dish served before a meal.

Initially related to 'desire' or 'appetite' in a general sense, over time it evolved to mean specifically a small dish intended to stimulate the appetite before the main course.