antipasto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSemi-formal to informal; used primarily in culinary/restaurant contexts.
Quick answer
What does “antipasto” mean?
An Italian starter or appetizer, consisting of various savory items like cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables, served before the main course.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An Italian starter or appetizer, consisting of various savory items like cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables, served before the main course.
Any appetizer platter or first course inspired by Italian cuisine, often served on a sharing board. More broadly, can refer to the concept of a varied, cold starter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. Usage is largely confined to menus and food writing in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes authentic Italian dining. In the UK, it might be slightly more familiar due to proximity to Europe. In the US, it's a standard menu term in Italian-American restaurants.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, but perhaps marginally more common in American English due to the prevalence of Italian-American cuisine.
Grammar
How to Use “antipasto” in a Sentence
We had [an antipasto] for starters.They serve [antipasti] with bread.The menu featured [a mixed antipasto platter].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in restaurant supply, hospitality, or food writing.
Academic
Rare, except in culinary studies, food history, or cultural studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing meals, restaurant visits, or cooking Italian food.
Technical
Used in professional cookery and restaurant menus with specific Italian terminology (e.g., antipasto misto).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antipasto”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antipasto”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antipasto”
- Pronouncing it as 'anti-past-o' (with a hard 't'). The 't' is soft in the standard pronunciation.
- Using it as an uncountable noun (*'some antipasto'). It's typically countable.
- Confusing the singular/plural: 'antipasto' (singular), 'antipasti' (plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An antipasto is an Italian first course that can include charcuterie, but also cheeses, vegetables, and seafood. A charcuterie board focuses primarily on cured meats, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably informally.
In British English: /ˌæn.tiˈpæs.təʊ/ (an-tee-PASS-toh). In American English: /ˌæn.tiˈpɑː.stoʊ/ (an-tee-PAH-stoh). The stress is on the second syllable.
Typically, no. By definition, it is a starter. However, a large 'antipasto platter' might be ordered as a light main meal, especially for lunch.
Bruschetta is a specific item (toasted bread with toppings) that could be part of an antipasto selection. Antipasto is the broader category of starters.
An Italian starter or appetizer, consisting of various savory items like cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables, served before the main course.
Antipasto is usually semi-formal to informal; used primarily in culinary/restaurant contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common English idioms use 'antipasto'. The phrase 'antipasto to dessert' might be used figuratively to mean 'from start to finish' of a meal.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANTIcipate the PASTa' – it's the course you eat BEFORE (anti-) the pasta.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY IS THE START OF A MEAL (e.g., 'We embarked on the meal with a colourful antipasto').
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of 'antipasto'?