What is the Italian term for appetizers served before a meal?

The Italian term for appetizers served before a meal is antipasto.

Antipasto is traditionally the first course of a formal Italian meal, arriving before the primo, which is often pasta, risotto, soup, or another starch-based dish. The word literally means “before the meal,” from ante, meaning before, and pasto, meaning meal. Its plural form is antipasti.

Antipasti are usually served in small portions intended to stimulate the appetite rather than replace the main meal. They can be hot or cold and may include cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives, seafood, crostini, or bruschetta. The exact selection depends heavily on the region and the occasion.

Antipasto is commonly confused with aperitivo. An aperitivo is primarily a pre-meal drink or social ritual that may include small snacks, while antipasto is a recognized food course. The other options describe different meal stages: primo is the first main course, secondo is the second course, and contorno is a side dish.