antipasto

noun

Meaning

A traditional Italian appetizer served before the first course of a meal, typically consisting of small portions of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables.

Examples

  • We shared a large antipasto while waiting for our pasta dishes to be prepared.
  • The restaurant's signature antipasto included sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and thinly sliced prosciutto.

Synonyms: appetizer, starter, hors d'oeuvre, meze