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DictionaryantipastoItalian appetizer
noun

antipasto

an-tee-PAH-stoh/ˌæntiˈpɑːstəʊ/

An Italian dish or course served before the main meal.

The antipasto platter offers cured meats, olives, artichokes, and cheese before dinner.

A small Italian antipasto platter ready to begin a meal, with folded cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and slices of cheese beside an unused dinner plate.
Etymology
antiItalianbefore
+pastoItalianfood or meal

The pieces describe food served before the meal. Antipasto names the small opening portions of an Italian meal, with the prefix marking their place before the main food.

In context

WJHL1:00
WE KNOW THE PASTA HAS TO BOIL. WHILE THE PASTA IS BOILING, WE HAVE TO SNACK ON ANTIPASTO.
Ravioli with Susan Lachmann

More examples

  • We shared an antipasto before ordering pasta.
  • The restaurant offers several vegetable antipasti.
  • An antipasto platter waited at the center of the table.

Forms

antipasto · antipasti · antipastos

Similar words

appetizer
Any small opening dish, not specifically part of Italian dining.
hors d'oeuvre
Usually a small savory bite rather than an Italian opening course.